01/14/2025

Press Release

Strategic hire underscores Emmes Group’s growth and commitment to biopharma market

Emmes Group®, a leading specialty tech and AI-enabled global contract research organization (CRO), today announced the appointment of Germaine Gross to the role of Chief Commercial Officer, Emmes® Biopharma. This strategic hire underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its biopharma footprint, fostering innovation, and redefining excellence in the CRO industry.

With more than 30 years in life sciences and 15 years leading CRO Business Development efforts, Gross will spearhead the next phase of growth in Emmes Biopharma’s business portfolio. Reporting directly to Emmes Group Chief Executive Officer Sastry Chilukuri and serving on the company’s Executive Management Committee, she will play a critical role in deepening Emmes’ partnerships and delivering transformative solutions for biopharma-sponsored clinical trials.

“Germaine’s impressive track record of leadership, industry expertise, and proven ability to cultivate lasting partnerships makes her the perfect fit for this role,” said Sastry Chilukuri, Chief Executive Officer. “Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment as we redefine how biopharma clinical research is conducted by leveraging AI, advanced technology, and operational excellence. We’re confident that Germaine’s leadership will amplify our ability to deliver exceptional value to our biopharma partners.”

Gross expressed her enthusiasm at joining Emmes Group: “I’m thrilled to join Emmes Group during such an exciting period of transformation and growth. Emmes has an extraordinary legacy of innovation and scientific excellence across its 47-year history. Combining this legacy with cutting-edge technology and AI to enable faster, higher quality clinical research has the potential to transform the industry. I look forward to working with the talented team at Emmes Group to expand our reach, enhance client partnerships, and help shape the future of biopharma clinical trials.”

Gross has held leadership roles at industry-leading organizations such as ICON, PRA Health Sciences, and INC Research, where she successfully developed and expanded business portfolios. Prior to joining Emmes, she led the  Asia Pacific Commercial Team at ICON. With deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, commercial operations, and strategic alliances, Gross has a proven ability to foster strong partnerships and implement innovative solutions. Her track record aligns seamlessly with Emmes Group’s vision for transformative growth.

About Emmes Group:
Emmes Group, a specialty, technology and AI enabled contract research organization (CRO), is advancing and modernizing clinical research to improve patient outcomes. Founded as Emmes more than 47 years ago, we became a trusted clinical research partner to the U.S. government. Today, Emmes Group is a global full-service CRO operating in 72 countries worldwide collaborating with government agencies, public-private partnerships, and biopharma innovators. Now wholly owned by New Mountain Capital, we are transforming the future of clinical research and bringing life-changing treatments closer to patients. Where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence. Learn more at www.theemmesgroup.com.

About Emmes:
Emmes, founded more than 45-years ago, is a global, full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation. Emmes has supported more than 2,000 clinical trials across numerous agencies and institutes of the U.S. federal government and a wide range of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies throughout the world. The company has built industry leading capabilities in cell and gene therapy, vaccines and infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and neuroscience. Today, we are part of the Emmes Group, helping transform the future of clinical research. Learn more at www.emmes.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dana Roche
Director, Marketing & Communications
droche@emmes.com 

01/07/2025

Press Release

Appointment Reflects Commitment to Continuing Essex’s Strategic Vision

Essex Management, an Emmes Group company and a leader in biomedical informatics and health information technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Loose as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. David succeeds Kevin Hurley, who has served as CEO since February 2019 and will transition to the role of Executive Advisor.

David Loose joined Essex Management as a partner in February 2009 and has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. Starting as Vice President for Business Operations and Development, he later served as Chief Business Officer, overseeing critical operations, driving client-focused innovation, and delivering strategic initiatives such as NCI’s Clinical Trials Reporting Program (CTRP). His leadership and dedication to Essex’s mission have been instrumental in building its reputation as a trusted partner in the biomedical and health technology sectors.

“David’s leadership and dedication to Essex’s mission make him the ideal choice to guide the company forward,” said Sastry Chilukuri, CEO of Emmes Group. “His focus on innovation and client success will ensure Essex continues to deliver transformative solutions in biomedical informatics and health IT.”

Essex also recognizes Kevin Hurley’s significant contributions since joining the company in 2009. As a founding partner and later as CEO, Kevin guided Essex through transformative milestones, including its acquisition by Emmes Group in 2023. “We are deeply grateful for Kevin’s leadership and dedication over the years,” said David Loose. “His vision has been instrumental in Essex’ success, and we’re fortunate to have his continued guidance as an Executive Advisor.”

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, Essex Management brings together multidisciplinary teams of engineers, business analysts, and project managers with computational biologists and clinical experts. Together, they deliver innovative health and biomedical information solutions for federal agencies, research institutions, and private-sector clients.

Under David Loose’s leadership, Essex Management is poised to build on its legacy of navigating the complexities of scientific computing to save lives and improve the quality of care.

About Emmes Group: 

Emmes Group, a specialty, technology and AI enabled contract research organization (CRO), is advancing and modernizing clinical research to improve patient outcomes. Founded as Emmes more than 47 years ago, we became a trusted clinical research partner to the U.S. government. Today, Emmes Group is a global full-service CRO operating in 72 countries worldwide collaborating with government agencies, public-private partnerships, and biopharma innovators. Now wholly owned by New Mountain Capital, we are transforming the future of clinical research and bringing life-changing treatments closer to patients. Where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence. Learn more at www.theemmesgroup.com.

About Essex Management: 

Essex Management, an Emmes Group company, is a biomedical informatics and health information technology firm that provides tailored consulting services and advanced technology solutions. Since 2009, Essex has strategically developed and managed complex health and biomedical information programs for the Federal Government, research academia, and private sectors. Headquartered in Rockville, MD, Essex Management is committed to saving lives and improving the quality of care through innovative solutions. Learn more at www.essexmanagement.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Dana Roche Director, Marketing & Communications droche@emmes.com

12/10/2024

Press Release

Bryan Patterson to lead as Senior Vice President of Government Business Development & Capture 

Emmes®, part of Emmes Group®, a leading specialty tech and AI-enabled global contract research organization (CRO), today announced the appointment of Bryan Patterson to the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Government Business Development & Capture. This strategic expansion of Emmes’ leadership team underscores the company’s commitment to the U.S. Federal Government clinical research efforts, and to exceed expectations, drive innovation, and deliver even greater value.

With over 14 years of experience successfully capturing new clinical research programs and strategic partnerships for U.S. Federal Government agencies, Patterson will spearhead the next phase of growth in Emmes' government business portfolio. Reporting directly to Emmes Public Sector President Paul VanVeldhuisen and serving on the company’s Management Committee, Patterson will play a critical role in deepening Emmes’ partnerships and delivering transformative solutions for government-sponsored clinical trials.

“We’re delighted to welcome Bryan to Emmes at this exciting moment in our evolution,” said Emmes Chief Executive Officer Peter Ronco. “His extensive expertise, strategic vision, and well-established relationships across government agencies make him a tremendous asset to our team. As we continue to modernize and embed AI-driven solutions within clinical research, Bryan’s leadership will be invaluable in delivering greater efficiency, innovation, and value to our government partners.”

Patterson expressed his enthusiasm at joining Emmes: “I’m honored to step into this role at a pivotal time for Emmes and the clinical research industry. Combining deep scientific expertise with advanced technology and AI to accelerate medical breakthroughs, Emmes is redefining how government-sponsored clinical research programs are conducted. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to expand Emmes’ impact and help shape the future of government clinical research.”

Patterson’s career includes leadership roles at industry-leading organizations such as PPD and Rho, where he successfully developed and expanded government business portfolios. His track record of fostering strong partnerships and implementing innovative solutions aligns seamlessly with Emmes’ vision for transformative growth.

About Emmes Group:
Emmes Group, a global full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) wholly owned by New Mountain Capital, is at the forefront of transforming clinical research, bringing new medical discoveries closer to patients. Founded as Emmes more than 47 years ago, the organization grew to become one of the primary clinical research providers to the US government before expanding into public-private partnerships and commercial biopharma. Today, the company is transforming the future of clinical research, by creating the industry’s first specialty, tech and AI based CRO optimized to deliver programs faster, better, and more efficiently. Where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence. Learn more at www.theemmesgroup.com.

About Emmes:
Emmes, founded more than 45-years ago, is a global, full-service Clinical Research Organization dedicated to the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation. Emmes has supported more than 2,000 clinical trials across numerous agencies and institutes of the U.S. federal government and a wide range of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies throughout the world. The company has built industry leading capabilities in cell and gene therapy, vaccines and infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and neuroscience. Today, we are part of the Emmes Group, helping transform the future of clinical research. Learn more at www.emmes.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dana Roche
Director, Marketing & Communications
droche@emmes.com

09/30/2024

Press Release

Emmes Group named a ‘Major Contender’ in the Life Sciences Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Products PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024 from Everest

Emmes Group, a global contract research and technology organization, has been recognized in the Everest Group’s recently published ‘Life Sciences Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Products PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024’ for its Advantage eClinical Cloud EDC platform. Advantage eClinical Cloud, is a unified eClinical platform combining technology, data, analytical and AI capabilities to modernize and accelerate clinical research. This is the first time Emmes Group has been included in a Peak Matrix® Assessment.

Sastry Chilukuri, CEO of Emmes Group, commented, “We’re honored to be recognized as a major contender by Everest Group. This award is recognition not only of Advantage eClinical Cloud’s capabilities, but also the impact it’s had with our customers. We’re excited for the future of the platform, as we continue to build out capabilities with embedded AI.”

In the first ever EDC edition, the PEAK Matrix® Assessment evaluated 20 platform providers based on market impact, as well as vision & capability. Assessment criteria included technology capabilities, flexibility and ease of deployment, engagement, and training support, as well as market adoption and portfolio mix. Advantage eClinical Cloud distinguished itself through its unified platform, streamlined configuration and industry leading AI capabilities. The assessment also noted Emmes therapeutic area and domain expertise within clinical research.

Nisarg Shah, Practice Director at Everest Group, said, "Emmes Group provides a unified eClinical solution combining EDC with eCOA/ePRO, RTSM, specimen, and lab data. It features therapeutic area-specific libraries, low-code configuration, AI-based edit checks, and CDASH harmonization. Emmes Group is recognized for its cost-effectiveness and deep experience in clinical research, as well as its global operations expertise. These strengths, advanced features, and domain expertise have positioned Emmes Group as a Major Contender in the EDC PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024."

Rama Kondru, CEO of Veridix AI, added “At the forefront of clinical technology, our unified platform is redefining the EDC segment. With a modern technology stack that eliminates cumbersome ETLs, and a CDASH unified data model, we’re streamlining data transformations. While our embedded AI and interactive reporting are shortening timelines and accelerating insights. This empowers our clients to make data-driven decisions with unprecedented speed and accuracy, from study start up to regulatory filing."

Advantage eClinical Cloud has powered more than 1,200 clinical trials with over 1.1 million patients across multiple therapeutic areas, countries, languages, and clinical trial phases. With adoption and use by more than 32,000 sites and 58,000 users, Advantage eClinical Cloud provides users with a unified, easy-to-use platform for clinical research across sponsors, sites, and patients.​​

About Emmes Group:

Emmes Group is a privately held contract research organization (CRO), wholly owned by New Mountain Capital (https://www.newmountaincapital.com). The company is transforming the future of clinical research, bringing the promise of new medical discovery closer within reach for patients. Emmes Group was founded as Emmes more than 47 years ago, becoming one of the primary clinical research providers to the US government before expanding into public-private partnerships and commercial biopharma. Today, the company is transforming the future of clinical research, by creating the industry’s first specialty, tech and AI based CRO optimized to deliver programs faster, better, and more efficiently. Where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence. Learn more at www.theemmesgroup.com.

About Veridix AI:

Veridix AI is the technology and AI division of Emmes Group, dedicated to pioneering advancements in AI and patient-centric technologies. We are passionate about serving patients by bringing the latest technological and analytical advancements to clinical research. Through constant innovation we aim to increase the pace of clinical trials and help bring new treatments to patients more quickly. Combining our expertise with Emmes CRO’s operational and scientific excellence, we are modernizing clinical research. Learn more at www.veridixai.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Dana Roche

Director, Marketing and Communications

droche@emmes.com

07/23/2024

Press Release

July 23, 2024 – Rockville, MD – Emmes Group, a leading specialty tech-enabled global contract research organization (CRO), today announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Miimansa AI. A critical pillar of the partnership, aimed at revolutionizing clinical research at Emmes, is the acquisition of Miimansa’s Clinical Entity Modeling tools based on advanced large language modeling (LLM) techniques and generative AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to transform all aspects of healthcare including clinical research. Emmes Group is rapidly maturing its technology platform, Veridix AI, and Miimansa’s Clinical Entity Modeling technology will serve as a critical building block to accelerate the development of state-of-the-art automated text processing solutions tailored for clinical research.

The partnership will focus on creating capabilities for quickly and accurately processing vast amounts of clinical data and enabling text to text transformations such as protocol authoring and medical writing, reducing the time and cost associated with manual data handling and analysis.

"We are excited to partner with Miimansa AI to bring cutting-edge AI technology to the forefront of clinical research," said Sastry Chilukuri, CEO of Emmes Group. “The clinical entity modeling tools acquired through our partnership will accelerate development and adoption of Emmes Groups’ Gen AI platform, named Concord, to drive faster, better and more efficient clinical trials.”

Dr. Vibhu Agarwal, founder and CEO of Miimansa AI, added, "Teaming up with Emmes Group is a significant milestone for us. Their expertise and comprehensive clinical trial data offer a unique opportunity to apply our advanced AI techniques in real-world settings. Together, we aim to transform the landscape of clinical research, making it faster, more affordable, and ultimately more successful in delivering safe and effective treatments."

About Emmes Group: 

Emmes Group is a privately held contract research organization (CRO), wholly owned by New Mountain Capital (https://www.newmountaincapital.com). Emmes Group was founded as Emmes more than 47 years ago, becoming one of the primary clinical research providers to the US government before expanding into public-private partnerships and commercial biopharma. Emmes Group has built industry leading capabilities in cell and gene therapy, vaccines and infectious diseases, ophthalmology, rare diseases, and neuroscience. Today, the company is transforming the future of clinical research, by creating the industry’s first native digital and AI based CRO optimized to deliver programs faster, better, and more efficiently. Where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence. 

About Miimansa AI

Miimansa AI is a health tech startup at the forefront of AI and machine learning applications in life sciences and healthcare. The company is led by former faculty and alumni from IIT Kanpur and Stanford University. Specializing in clinical data management and biomedical research, Miimansa AI develops innovative solutions that leverage large language models to automate and enhance various aspects of clinical research.

Contact Information

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dana Roche
Director of Marketing, Emmes Group
Phone: +1 202 380 5168
Email: droche@emmes.com

Priyanka Kalia

Manager, Solutions Marketing, Miimansa AI
Phone: +91 124 416 4840
Email: priyanka.kalia@miimansa.com

06/24/2024

Press Release

Company News

• Multiple Phase III studies are expected to be conducted across North America, Central and South America, UK and other global clinical sites.
• VaxTrials, part of Emmes Group, selected to provide comprehensive clinical research services
• Veridix AI, part of Emmes Group, will provide Advantage eClinical and other platform capabilities critical to accelerate and improve study execution

ILiAD Biotechnologies, LLC, a late-stage biotech development company dedicated to the prevention of disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, today announced the selection of Emmes Group, a global contract research and technology organization, to conduct upcoming Phase III studies of its lead pertussis vaccine candidate, BPZE1.  ILiAD and Emmes Group are currently working to finalize the definitive agreement.

ILiAD selected Emmes Group for their expertise in vaccine development, agility in managing complex clinical trials, strong local market presence, and their integrated technology capabilities. Emmes Groups’ VaxTrials unit has previously demonstrated proficiency and clinical trial excellence through their successful support of ILiAD’s Phase II IB-201P BPZE1 study.

Dr. Keith Rubin, CEO of ILiAD Biotechnologies, commented, “Selecting Emmes Group for our Phase III BPZE1 trials has been a carefully considered strategic decision to ensure the highest standards of clinical research. VaxTrials’ specialization in vaccines and Veridix AI’s advanced technological capabilities will be instrumental in executing our BPZE1 vaccine clinical development plan.”

"We are honored and pleased that ILiAD has selected Emmes Group as its partner to continue the clinical development of BPZE1. We look forward to working closely with ILiAD’s clinical development team on this promising new vaccine, which could significantly reduce the transmissibility and incidence of B. pertussis, particularly in vulnerable populations.” said Sastry Chilukuri, Chief Executive Officer of Emmes Group.

About Pertussis
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a life-threatening disease caused by the highly contagious respiratory bacterium Bordetella pertussis. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year pertussis affects approximately 16 million people globally, accounting for nearly 200,000 deaths. Although estimated global vaccination coverage is 84%, current vaccines have failed to control pertussis epidemics.

About BPZE1
BPZE1 is the leading next-generation pertussis vaccine designed to induce comprehensive and durable protection against B. pertussis infection (colonization) and disease (whooping cough). BPZE1 is being developed to block B. pertussis from colonizing the nasal passages of adults and children, to protect adults and children from whooping cough, and to potentially prevent transmission, including transmission to infants. While ILiAD is currently focused on developing a vaccine to directly protect adults and children and to indirectly protect vulnerable infants, future development aims to immunize neonates directly. BPZE1 was developed at the Institut Pasteur de Lille (France) in the lab of Camille Locht PhD and Nathalie Mielcarek PhD.

About ILiAD Biotechnologies, LLC
ILiAD Biotechnologies (http://www.iliadbio.com) is a privately held, clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to the prevention and treatment of human disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. The company is developing and acquiring key technologies, working with leading scientists to overcome the limitations of current vaccines, investigating the impact of B. pertussis in a range of human disease, and is focused on validating its proprietary vaccines in human clinical trials.

About Emmes Group:
Emmes Group is a privately held contract research organization (CRO), wholly owned by New Mountain Capital (https://www.newmountaincapital.com). The company is transforming the future of clinical research, bringing the promise of new medical discovery closer within reach for patients. Emmes Group was founded as Emmes more than 47 years ago, becoming one of the primary clinical research providers to the US government before expanding into public-private partnerships and commercial biopharma. Emmes Group has built industry leading capabilities in cell and gene therapy, vaccines and infectious diseases, ophthalmology, rare diseases, and neuroscience. Today, the company is transforming the future of clinical research, by creating the industry’s first native digital and AI based CRO optimized to deliver programs faster, better, and more efficiently. Where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence.

For more information, visit ILiAD Biotechnologies and Emmes Group.

Contact Information:
ILiAD Biotechnologies, LLC
Email: info@iliadbio.com
Phone: (800) 603-3525

Emmes Group
Dana Roche
Director, Marketing & Communications
droche@emmes.com
+1 202 380 5168

06/11/2024

Press Release

Company News

• New Business Unit Veridix AI Launched to Embed Technology and AI in Day-to-Day Clinical Operations
• Dr. Rama Kondru to Join the Emmes Group as CEO, Veridix AI
• Industry Leader Matthew Holt to Join Board of Directors    

Emmes today announced the creation of the Emmes Group, with Sastry Chilukuri serving as its executive chairman and chief executive officer. The company also announced a new board member, Matthew Holt.

The Emmes Group will have two business units: Emmes, its Clinical Research Organization (CRO) led by Peter Ronco, and Veridix AI, the newly launched technology and artificial intelligence (AI) group, led by recently appointed executive Dr. Rama Kondru.

Chilukuri will share plans to build a technology- and AI-first clinical research infrastructure during his presentation this Thursday, January 11th at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

“We have an opportunity to advance Emmes’ 47-year legacy of excellence in clinical research by building the clinical research infrastructure of the future,” stated Chilukuri. “Our new Veridix AI business unit will embed technology and generative AI into all aspects of clinical trials. Emmes is a full-service CRO with more than 1,600 employees, supporting clinical research in over 70 countries. We are one of the top clinical service providers to the U.S. government with industry-leading capabilities in cell and gene therapy, vaccines and infectious diseases, and ophthalmology.

“AI is now helping us learn the language of biology to rapidly generate disease insights and advance new treatments,” Chilukuri continued. “Our proprietary Clinical Generative AI platform, will help us build the clinical research infrastructure needed to bring these treatments to patients faster with high quality.”

The Emmes Group also added a new member to its board of directors, whose background adds strength to the new strategy. Matthew Holt is managing director and president, private equity, of New Mountain Capital, with a proven track record of rapidly digitizing and scaling healthcare service businesses.

About the Emmes Group
The Emmes Group is dedicated to advancing public health and biopharmaceutical innovation throughout the world. Our legacy CRO business Emmes, founded in 1977, provides clinical services tailored to meet the needs of its public and private sector partners. Our Veridix AI business is focused on delivering innovative technology solutions to create the clinical trial infrastructure of the 21st century. To learn more about how we are modernizing clinical research and having a positive impact on patients' lives, visit the Emmes Group website at www.theemmesgroup.com.