Imaging spin out acquired
13 Oct 2017 by Evoluted New Media
Imanova, a joint imaging services and analytics venture between the Medical Research Council and a trio of London universities has been acquired by Invicro, a US company.
Imanova, a joint imaging services and analytics venture between the Medical Research Council and a trio of London universities has been acquired by Invicro, a US company.
Imanova specialises in applying PET and MRI scanning techniques to improve early drug development productivity. This allows researchers to not only monitor a medicine’s activity, but also its effect on body systems being studied. This can help scientists to understand at an early stage if an investigational medicine is being effective, discontinuing development if not.
Kevin Cox, Imanova CEO, said: “Strong support from the Medical Research Council (MRC) and our academic partners has been critical to the successful development and expansion of imaging technology. This acquisition is a recognition of the excellence of UK science and will provide additional resource and expertise to drive innovation in imaging sciences for medical research and help reduce the risk, cost and time of drug development.”
Future aims
Imanova was founded in 2011 through a joint venture between King’s, Imperial and University College London and the MRC. Invicro’s acquisition will result in more than 90 high-tech jobs at the London imaging centre, providing investment for UK science. Invicro will expand research and development in biomarkers as well as broaden the range of imaging services available from the London site.Dr Jack Hoppin, Invicro CEO, said: “Invicro is excited to invest in the UK, and Imanova is an ideal partner as the merger of our complementary capabilities will create unique end-to-end imaging services and data management company that can effectively support our sponsors at all stages of the drug development life-cycle”.
