Chesapeake IRB Completes Acquisition of IRB Services

Chesapeake IRB, headquartered in Columbia, Maryland announced it has completed the acquisition of IRB Services, headquartered in Aurora, Ontario, Canada.

IRB Services and Chesapeake IRB are providers of federally mandated institutional review board (“IRB”) services to pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies, universities, academic medical centers, hospital systems, governmental entities and others required to use IRB services to assure the protection of rights and the welfare of human subjects participating in research.

Jeff Wendel, President of Chesapeake IRB, said, “Adding IRB Services to our team is the realization of a long time goal for us, because it offers our clients a combined North American expertise and service capability that is unparalleled in our industry. IRB Services’ outstanding reputation and long standing dedication to the protection of human subjects participating in research across Canada enhances Chesapeake IRB’s services and capabilities.”

IRB Services, the largest independent and only AAHRPP-accredited Canadian IRB/REB, founded in 1993, will retain its name, leadership, and Canadian location, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake IRB.

The combination of two highly regarded, AAHRPP accredited organizations will efficiently deliver a unique solution to organizations conducting research in Canada and the US.

Jack Corman, Founder and CEO of IRB Services, said, “We are delighted to be able to come together with a like-minded organization; one that places the highest emphasis on integrity and quality in its service offering. In addition, we are looking forward to leveraging the CIRBI electronic submission platform to create a truly superlative IRB offering to our clients.”

Elyse Summers, President and CEO, Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, commented, “AAHRPP is delighted to see that its internationally recognized accreditation standards can become a cornerstone of commonality for two highly regarded, quality-driven IRBs. AAHRPP recognizes the important role it plays assuring that the review of clinical research takes place through accredited organizations that adhere to the highest level of safety and quality globally.”

For questions regarding Chesapeake IRB or IRB Services please contact:

Jeffrey Wendel – President, Chesapeake IRB (410) 884-2900

Jack Corman – Managing Director, IRB Services (905) 727- 7989