INC Research, a therapeutically focused global CRO, has acquired MEK Consulting, a clinical monitoring-focused CRO based in Lebanon with operations in Greece, Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The move supports INC’s strategic business expansion in high-growth regions to deliver global trials, and positions the company as a drug development partner in MENA, which offers access to more than 200 million new patients. 

“The MENA region offers significant opportunities for new drug development due to its large patient populations, highly qualified medical personnel and increasingly sophisticated regulatory environments,” said Jamie Macdonald, INC Research CEO. "The acquisition of MEK Consulting provides INC Research’s customers with access to this expanding region for biopharmaceutical development.”

The acquisition builds on INC Research’s longstanding relationship with MEK Consulting, which spans more than a decade.

Founded in 1999 by Myriam El-Khazen and Selim Dagher, MEK Consulting has more than 40 employees across five countries and experience on more than 120 studies. The company offers an established infrastructure and complementary therapeutic experience, including oncology, general medicine and rare diseases. El-Khazen and Dagher will assume the roles of general manager and executive director, Commercial Operations, respectively, with overall responsibility for managing INC Research’s presence in the region. MEK Consulting will operate as INC Research and will conduct business under the INC Research name.

El-Khazen said, "We believe this acquisition will bring the MENA region and Southern Europe to a new era in clinical research. Being part of INC Research will enable us to bring more trials to the region, benefiting patients and health institutions while providing biopharmaceutical companies access to the capabilities and resources of a global organization.”