PCI Pharma Services (PCI) has unveiled plans to acquire Australia-based Pharmaceutical Packaging Professionals (PPP). The acquisition of PPP, a provider of clinical trial manufacturing, packaging, storage and distribution services, establishes a presence for PCI in Australia, viewed as pivotal to continued growth and expansion in the Asia Pacific region.  Australia is one of the leading countries for Phase 1 studies globally, and with this acquisition, PPP’s Phase I offering also enables PCI to better support customers from early phases of clinical development through to commercial launch.

Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, PPP is a recognized leader in clinical trial supply with a comprehensive suite of support services including early clinical phase sterile and non-sterile drug manufacture of investigational medicines, packaging and labeling services for investigational products, as well as logistical services including storage and distribution to global investigational sites. PPP’s expertise supports projects across a range of temperature conditions including controlled room temperature, 2-8˚C, -20˚C, and -80˚C environments, which expands PCI’s existing capabilities in storing, packaging, and shipping cold chain products. Experiencing growing demand for its services, PPP is currently undertaking a facility expansion and upgrade to add additional storage and distribution services, labeling and packaging rooms, Grade D manufacturing as well as sterile-fill manufacturing capabilities for Phase II clinical studies.

PPP’s suite of services complements PCI’s portfolio of clinical and commercial services, including clinical and commercial scale drug manufacturing, packaging and labeling of clinical trial medicines, global logistical services to investigational sites and commercial contract packaging services. PPP’s strong market presence with Phase I units as well as the company’s geographic reach and experience working with U.S., European, and Asia Pacific customers in countries including China, Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and New Zealand, will allow PCI to continue to grow its capabilities in the region.

“The addition of PPP is significant for our continued global expansion,” said Bill Mitchell, president and chief executive officer, PCI Pharma Services. “The Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, is a very attractive and growing segment in the clinical trials market. Our customers continue to seek new markets both for execution of their clinical studies as well as partners that can support them through the supply chain.”

The addition of PPP will mark PCI’s fifth acquisition outside of the U.S. in five years, which underscores PCI’s continued commitment to growth and geographic expansion. “This opportunity is part of our next logical phase of geographic expansion and enables us to support our customers in their long term global growth strategies,” said Mr. Mitchell. “Additionally, PPP’s highly experienced management team has a strong track record in the clinical trials marketplace and we are excited to welcome them to PCI.”

PPP’s founder and chief executive officer, Craig Rogers, said, “We look forward to joining PCI given its market leading presence and believe PPP’s Phase I offering and Asia Pacific location provides for a powerful combination and strong synergies. I am excited for my new role as senior vice president of PCI Asia Pacific and supporting our customers in this expanding region.”