Mérieux NutriSciences Acquires Provident Clinical Research

Provident provides clinical research and consulting services to the food and biopharmaceutical industries and specializes in designing and conducting clinical nutrition trials aimed at managing risk factors associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

4/6/2011 --- Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation has announced the acquisition of Provident Clinical Research & Consulting, Inc, expanding its capabilities in North America. Based in Chicago, Provident will be integrated into Mérieux NutriSciences' Biofortis Business Unit. Provident provides clinical research and consulting services to the food and biopharmaceutical industries and specializes in designing and conducting clinical nutrition trials aimed at managing risk factors associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Founded in 2004 by Kevin C. Maki, PhD, Provident currently employs over 40 people. Under terms of the acquisition, Dr. Maki and his management team will continue in their current roles within Biofortis-Provident USA. “Sharing a commitment to excellence and customer service, this collaboration will enable us to capitalize on the scientific expertise of the global Biofortis team, particularly with regard to studies of the health benefits altering gut microbiota,” Dr. Maki said. “In addition, we will benefit from the expanded geographic coverage it offers throughout Europe, Brazil, China and India.”

“Our group is already a world leader in food safety and quality; this acquisition allows us to offer global dedicated clinical research services for the first time in North America. In keeping with the mission of our parent company, Institut Mérieux, Provident works to advance the science of chronic disease prevention, thereby helping people live healthier lives. Provident is a perfect complement of the current activities of Biofortis, our innovation in Nutrition Business Unit,” said Philippe Sans, President and CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation.

“The addition of Provident to Biofortis will expand our ability to undertake high quality clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of food, pharmaceutical and consumer health products,” said Mérieux NutriSciences Senior Vice President and Head of Biofortis, Dr. Michel du Peloux. “By combining Provident’s expertise and track record in metabolic and cardiovascular studies with Biofortis’ scale and its unique portfolio of scientific and research capabilities, we have strengthened our ability to deliver significant value. Biofortis is a unique global entity with strong roots and expertise in biology and clinical nutrition.”

With over 40 years of experience and part of Institut Mérieux, Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation helps advance science and solutions for food safety, quality and nutrition worldwide. Through its business units Silliker, Biofortis and Bioagri, it provides consulting, testing, auditing, education, sensory, innovation and contract research services.

A leader in human nutrition clinical trials in Europe since 2003, Biofortis provides expert services to R&D professionals, including clinical trial services, as well as bioanalytical and sensory testing. Biofortis’ geographical presence extends to Europe, the United States, China, and Brazil.

Founded in 2004 by Kevin C. Maki, PhD, Provident Clinical Research & Consulting, Inc. is a contract research and consulting organization committed to advancing the science of chronic disease prevention by designing and conducting clinical trials. Provident has offices in Glen Ellyn and Addison, Illinois near Chicago.