MERIT Acquires OSOD for Ophthalmic Drug Development

MERIT, a global provider of clinical trial endpoint and technology services, has announced the acquisition of Ocular Services On Demand (OSOD), a consortium of experts in vision science and ocular drug development. The acquisition aims to enhance MERIT’s capabilities in supporting smooth transitions from preclinical to clinical phases of drug development, according to a company news release.

A Strategic Milestone in Drug Development

This acquisition marks a pivotal step for MERIT in expanding its service offerings to the ophthalmic sector. Yijun Huang, CEO of MERIT, commented:
“MERIT is delighted to welcome OSOD to our family. This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our mission to advance drug development and deliver life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. Together, we will set new standards in the industry and drive forward the future of medicine.”

OSOD’s Legacy in Ophthalmic Research

For over 30 years, OSOD has been at the forefront of preclinical ophthalmic drug development, playing a key role in advancing numerous therapies from research to regulatory approval. Notable therapies influenced by OSOD include:

• Lucentis

• Eylea

• Xiidra

• Susvimo

• Durysta

Christopher Murphy, CEO of OSOD, emphasized the synergy between the two organizations:
“OSOD has always been committed to excellence in early-stage ophthalmology research. Joining forces with MERIT allows us to extend our impact and contribute to the entire drug development continuum.”

A Future of Collaboration and Innovation

The integration of OSOD into MERIT promises to deliver enhanced resources and expertise to clients, accelerating the delivery of innovative ocular therapies to the market. With the entire management team and network of vision science experts staying on board, OSOD and MERIT are well-positioned to bring life-changing treatments to patients.

“We look forward to leveraging the resources and capabilities of MERIT to the benefit of our clients in bringing much needed therapeutics to the marketplace to benefit patients. We look forward to a collaborative and innovative future,” Murphy added.

This acquisition represents a significant collaboration that will drive forward advancements in ophthalmic drug development, benefiting patients and the broader vision care community.