With late phase research becoming increasingly important to multiple healthcare stakeholders, Quintiles has acquired Outcome Sciences, a privately held outcomes research firm headquartered in Cambridge, Mass.

Observational research encompasses registries, post-approval research and quality improvement initiatives across multiple healthcare stakeholders (biopharmaceutical, medical device, government and providers). Since its founding in 1998, Outcome has designed, developed and managed more patient registries and post-approval studies than any other company. Outcome’s programs across more than 40 therapeutic areas include thousands of sites and millions of patients in more than 80 countries.

“This acquisition underscores Quintiles’ commitment to delivering efficient, insightful late phase solutions to help customers show the value of their products to patients, providers and payers,” said Quintiles president and chief operating officer John Ratliff. “The phase IIIB/IV market is forecast to reach more than $4 billion by 2015, up significantly from 2010. We estimate that observational research accounts for about 30% of that market, and Outcome is the notable leader in it. With this acquisition, no other biopharmaceutical services company can match Quintiles’ level of late phase science and strategy, global reach and service specialization."