The IMA Group (IMA) has announced the acquisition of Medical Research Network (MRN) LLC, a clinical research site located in New York City that specializes in psychiatry and neurology trials focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Founded in 1997, MRN will continue to operate under its current name and leadership, with its core investigators and staff remaining in place. The company is led by founder, CEO, and Principal Investigator Dr. Michael R. Liebowitz, MD.
Dr. Liebowitz is a Board Certified psychiatrist who has dedicated over 30 years to researching and treating anxiety, phobic, and affective disorders. He previously chaired the DSM-IV Workgroup on Anxiety Disorders and has made significant contributions to fields such as social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, atypical depression, and rapid cycling mood disorders.
This acquisition marks IMA’s second research site in New York City and the company’s first East Coast location focused on CNS trials. It complements IMA’s existing CNS research centers in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque, thereby expanding its nationwide presence in this critical therapeutic area. This move aligns with IMA’s broader strategy to grow both organically and through acquisitions, solidifying its position as one of the leading independent providers of outsourced healthcare evaluation and clinical research services in the U.S.
KEY QUOTES:
“The need for high-quality clinical research in mental health continues to grow, particularly as we confront rising demand for care and long-standing gaps in access. By combining our deep CNS expertise and well-established clinical operations with IMA’s growing national platform, we’re positioned to reach more diverse and underserved patient populations, accelerate access to promising treatments, and deliver outstanding value to sponsors.”
Dr. Liebowitz
“By integrating MRN’s experienced team and established site into our network, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver efficient, high-performing trials in the CNS space. This addition helps us reduce time to first patient, ensure quality data capture, and provide the scale and consistency that today’s sponsors require to execute successful studies.”
Mark Weinberger, PhD, MPH, President and CEO of The IMA Group
