Schulman Associates Institutional Review Board has acquired Independent
Investigational Review Board. The transaction allows both organizations, which protect the rights of human research subjects, to provide a more comprehensive suite of review services for pharmaceutical, medical device, contract research organization and clinical research site customers.

"The strengths of the two organizations are remarkably complimentary," said Michael Woods, president and CEO of Schulman. "We are very excited by the added resources and capabilities Independent brings to the combined company."

With offices in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Plantation, Fla., the combined organization will provide research review services for a broad range of therapeutic areas and types of human subject research. Separately, each organization is accredited by Association for the Accreditation of Human
Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), and each has a clean recent audit
history with FDA.

"Joining with Schulman allows Independent to provide the advantages of enhanced WebPortal and IT features to our established customer base," said Kim Lerner, outgoing CEO of Independent.

Anita McSharry, former president of Independent, added, "This is a perfect example of one plus one equaling far more than two. The benefits extend to every research site, sponsor and CRO that uses our services. The employees
of both companies also benefit from the additional resources that allow them to accomplish their mission to protect the rights of human research subjects more efficiently than ever."