PCI Pharma Services (PCI) has agreed to acquire Sherpa Clinical Packaging (Sherpa), a San Diego, California-based provider of clinical-trial supply services. The addition of Sherpa’s capabilities enables PCI to support customers from early phases of clinical development through to commercial launch.

Sherpa’s core services include primary and secondary packaging and labeling for Phase I-IV studies, distribution, storage, and returns. Sherpa’s facilities employ cold-chain technologies that include handling products requiring labeling and kitting at frozen and refrigerated conditions.

PCI’s global molecule-to-market services span contract development and manufacturing, including specialization in complex and potent drugs, clinical supply services, and commercial packaging services.

The company is strategically investing in the expansion of its global Clinical Services business, and this marks its third acquisition in 12 months. In 2017, PCI acquired Millmount Healthcare, a Dublin, Ireland-based packager, in order to expand its European footprint as well as to address customers’ Brexit concerns.

In February 2018, PCI established a presence in the Asia Pacific region with the acquisition of Pharmaceutical Packaging Professionals, based in Melbourne, Australia. This acquisition added new early-phase sterile and non-sterile drug manufacturing capabilities.

Additionally, PCI announced site expansions at both its Bridgend, UK, and Rockford, Illinois, clinical services centers of excellence, including investment in cold-chain infrastructure.

PCI employs more than 3,500 associates across 18 GMP facilities in seven locations. The addition of Sherpa will add two additional San Diego-based facilities.

Source: PCI Services