The IMA Group announced the acquisition of Medical Research Network LLC, a specialized clinical research site in New York City focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, marking a strategic expansion of the company's psychiatric and neurological trial capabilities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Strategic Expansion in CNS Research
Founded in 1997, Medical Research Network will continue operating under its current name and leadership structure, with core investigators and staff remaining in place. The site is led by founder, CEO, and Principal Investigator Michael R. Liebowitz, MD, a Board Certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience in researching and treating anxiety, phobic, and affective disorders.
Dr. Liebowitz previously chaired the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) Workgroup on Anxiety Disorders and has made significant contributions to research in social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, atypical depression, and rapid cycling mood disorders.
Addressing Growing Mental Health Research Needs
"The need for high-quality clinical research in mental health continues to grow, particularly as we confront rising demand for care and long-standing gaps in access," said Dr. Liebowitz. "By combining our deep CNS expertise and well-established clinical operations with IMA's growing national platform, we're positioned to reach more diverse and underserved patient populations, accelerate access to promising treatments, and deliver outstanding value to sponsors."
The acquisition represents IMA's second research site in New York City and its first East Coast location dedicated to CNS trials. This expansion builds on IMA's existing CNS-focused presence in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque, strengthening the company's national footprint in this key therapeutic area.
Enhanced Operational Capabilities
Mark Weinberger, PhD, MPH, President and CEO of The IMA Group, emphasized the operational benefits of the acquisition. "By integrating MRN's experienced team and established site into our network, we're strengthening our ability to deliver efficient, high-performing trials in the CNS space," he said. "This addition helps us reduce time to first patient, ensure quality data capture, and provide the scale and consistency that today's sponsors require to execute successful studies."
The move aligns with IMA's broader strategy to grow both organically and through acquisitions, positioning the company as one of the nation's leading independent providers of outsourced healthcare evaluation and clinical research services. The acquisition enhances IMA's operational capacity to meet sponsor needs in the increasingly important CNS therapeutic area.
