Momentum Clinical Research (Momentum) and Pacific Clinical Research Network (PCRN) are merging to form Australasia’s largest, most integrated clinical trial network that can provide delivery capability from Phase 1 first-in-human to Phase 4 clinical trials.
Combining more than 20 sites across New Zealand and Australia, and a database of over 200,000 participants, the merger provides an end-to-end clinical research partner for global pharmaceutical and biotech companies and Contract Research Organisations, through increasing scale and cross-phase capability that will accelerate trial delivery across the region.
The merger is backed by private equity firms Genesis Capital (Sydney) and Pencarrow (Auckland).
The merger creates a vital offering for global biotechnology and pharmaceutical sponsors, a single partner with the ability to manage large-scale trials that take a product from first-in-human through to later phases. This end-to-end capability reduces operational risk, shortens trial timelines, and ensures consistent quality across every phase.
The merged entity will be led by New Zealand-based Josh Stent as Chief Executive Officer from 8 September, with PCRN CEO Rosie McKellar transitioning to a strategic advisory role during the integration period.
Mr Stent said that the new entity will attract further global investment to New Zealand and Australia, providing a compelling proposition for biotech and pharma, while lifting clinical trial performance across New Zealand and Australia.
“Through merging Momentum and PCRN, we further bolster our ability to provide a one stop solution for research organisations and biotech companies looking to host clinical trials across both New Zealand and Australia.
“Our combined network has a proven track record of accelerated participant recruitment, often exceeding sponsor enrolment targets while maintaining the highest standards of data quality and participant safety. By unifying governance and systems, we can offer faster study start-up, seamless cross-border delivery, and direct access to a large, diverse patient population," he said.
The announcement follows the 2024 launch of the Momentum Clinical Research brand, which brought together New Zealand’s P3 Research with Australia’s AusTrials and Holdsworth House. The integration expanded the organisation’s delivery footprint across both countries.
Between Momentum and PCRN there are currently over 100 active studies, across both Australia and New Zealand across multiple therapeutic areas including dermatology, autoimmune disorders, infectious disease, cardiovascular, respiratory and vaccines.
Financial terms of the deal are undisclosed.
“This is an exciting opportunity for New Zealand. By creating the largest all-phase trial network in Australasia, we’re positioning our region to win more of the global pipeline, and to accelerate access to innovative treatments for our communities, at scale, while creating jobs across the regions in both markets,” said Stent.
PCRN CEO Rosie McKellar said that combining Momentum and PCRN will bring greater trial diversity and site options, making clinical trials for a vast range of therapeutic conditions accessible to more people in the region.
“For patients, the merger also means more opportunities to access innovative treatments and the latest medical advances, often years before they are available on the market. Participants are cared for by specialist clinical teams highly trained in clinical research, who can dedicate more time and specialised attention than in standard care settings.
“Through collaboration between volunteer participants and expert teams, clinical research paves the way for new and life-saving medical treatments and advances health outcomes globally. Merging to be one group will bring together complementary expertise to ensure that together our work enables greater availability of innovative medicines and treatments.”