The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has expressed preliminary concerns regarding Blackstone Group (HK) Limited's proposed acquisition of I'rom Group Co Limited. The ACCC's Statement of Issues highlights potential anticompetitive effects in the supply of phase 1 clinical trial services within Australia.
Market Concentration
The core of the ACCC's concern lies in the significant market share that would be controlled by Blackstone following the acquisition. Nucleus Network Pty Limited, indirectly owned by Blackstone, and CMAX Clinical Research Pty Ltd, owned by I'rom, are the two largest suppliers of phase 1 clinical trial services in Australia. According to the ACCC, the combined entity would control 59% of phase 1 trial beds in Australia. This consolidation, the ACCC argues, is likely to significantly lessen competition, potentially leading to adverse outcomes for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies relying on these services.
"We are concerned that the proposed acquisition would be likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in the supply of phase 1 clinical trials in Australia," said ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams.
Potential Impact on Service Quality and Pricing
The ACCC's statement suggests that reduced competition could lead to both lower service quality and higher prices for customers. With fewer competing providers, the merged entity might have less incentive to maintain high service standards or offer competitive pricing. The ACCC also notes that establishing new phase 1 clinical trial units requires significant time, making timely and effective new entry or expansion less likely to mitigate the loss of competition.
Concerns Regarding Precision Medicine Group
Blackstone's majority interest in Precision Medicine Group, a contract research organization, further compounds the ACCC's concerns. Precision provides services to drug sponsors, including assistance with selecting phase 1 clinical trial service providers. The ACCC worries that Blackstone could leverage its position to restrict access to phase 1 clinical trial services for contract research organizations that compete with Precision Medicine Group.
"We are also concerned that Blackstone may have the ability and incentive to restrict access to phase 1 clinical trial services by competing contract research organisations," Dr Williams stated.
Phase 1 Clinical Trials
Phase 1 clinical trials are a critical step in the development of new therapeutic products. These trials, typically conducted with healthy volunteers, focus on assessing the safety and tolerability of a drug, as well as determining appropriate dosing. The availability of high-quality, competitively priced phase 1 clinical trial services is therefore essential for fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
The ACCC has invited submissions in response to the Statement of Issues by 21 November 2024.
