Irish healthcare services firm Uniphar has acquired US company Inspired Health.

Inspired Health, which is headquartered in Boston, is a insights and intelligence consultancy. 

The firm utilises market research techniques to help life sciences companies gain a better understanding of those they engage with, including doctors, patients, administrators and payers.

These insights are then used to optimise innovation, as well as to commercialise assets.

Inspired Health will be integrated into Uniphar’s commercial and clinical division.

The purchase price, which was not disclosed, includes an up-front payment, as well as contingent consideration which is payable depending upon future financial performance.

Uniphar anticipates that the acquisition will deliver a return on capital employment in line with Uniphar’s target range of 12pc to 15pc within three years.

“Market research is the first step on the journey towards successful commercialisation and the insights gained from Inspired’s innovative service offering will be leveraged across the group,” said Uniphar chief executive Ger Rabbette.

The acquisition will also increase Uniphar’s presence in the “world’s largest healthcare market”, he said.

“The Uniphar Group recognise the important role insights, data and market research play across an asset’s lifecycle and as such is an ideal home for Inspired Health,” added Inspired Health senior executive officer Kieron Mathews.

This acquisition from Uniphar marks its latest in the US market, following the acquisition of medical affairs company BESTMSLS last August.

By Caoimhe Gordon for www.independent.ie