SALT LAKE CITY, Utah and ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Canyon Labs, a global analytical and packaging lab testing and consulting company for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and iuvo BioScience, a full-service provider of ophthalmic medical device and pharmaceutical clinical research services, have completed a strategic acquisition that strengthens both organizations' market positions, according to a joint announcement from the two companies. The agreement transfers iuvo's respected laboratory services and scientific consulting divisions to Canyon Labs, enabling both companies to accelerate their specialized growth trajectories, the two companies said.

The announcement follows iuvo BioScience's strategic acquisition of California-based Promedica, a specialized ophthalmology contract research organization, in early 2024.

Under the continued leadership of Shannon Stoddard, former president and owner of PMI and current president of clinical research of iuvo BioScience, the company said it will expand its comprehensive ophthalmic clinical contract research services spanning anterior and posterior segment conditions. With the backing of Ampersand Capital Partners, iuvo BioScience is poised to serve as an innovative global leader in ophthalmic clinical research, the announcement said.

The new transaction positions Canyon Labs to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions in pharmaceutical and medical device development and strengthens iuvo BioScience’s focus on transformative ophthalmic clinical development contract research, the two companies said. The seamless transition includes the full integration of iuvo's laboratory and consulting personnel into Canyon Labs’ operations, while iuvo BioScience retains its clinical research team and leadership structure.

 
 Sarah (Rosenblum) Ptach, president of Canyon Labs, (l) and Ben Burton, president and CEO of iuvo BioScience.
  
“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the growth of Canyon Labs' capacity and capabilities,” said Sarah (Rosenblum) Ptach, president of Canyon Labs. “By strategically aligning our organizations, we are delivering immediate value to our global client base through faster lead times, expanded capacities and unparalleled expertise at every step of the process. This integration strengthens our commitment to raising the standard of service in outsourced testing and consulting for the health care industry.”

Backed by MedVenture Health, Canyon Labs operates from three locations: Salt Lake City, Utah, where the company headquarters are located; San Diego, Calif.; and Rochester, New York.

The addition of the Rochester site significantly enhances Canyon Labs' capabilities with advanced services in rapid sterility, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility testing, microbiology and analytical chemistry, according to the company.

Through strategic partnerships and acquisitions Canyon Labs said it continues to expand its expertise and service offerings, solidifying its position as a leader in medical device and pharmaceutical testing and consulting. The integration of an experienced leadership team, including David Kudla, Donnalee Ventura, Nancy Rakiewicz and Christopher Dietz, strengthens Canyon Labs’ ability to deliver innovative solutions and set new industry standards, the company said, adding this growth underscores Canyon Labs' commitment to advancing the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical products.

"This transaction marks a defining moment for iuvo,” said Ben Burton, president and CEO of iuvo BioScience. "This strategic decision reinforces our fundamental mission of accelerating patient access to breakthrough vision care treatments. By sharpening our focus on our ophthalmic clinical contract research business, we're strengthening our ability to provide the high touch, science-driven solutions our customers and partners have come to expect from iuvo."