Caidya Combines With Simbec-Orion to Expand Global Clinical Research Capabilities

Caidya has announced a strategic combination with UK-based contract research organization (CRO) Simbec-Orion to establish a global specialty clinical research platform. This merger integrates Simbec-Orion’s early-phase clinical pharmacology and specialized therapeutic expertise with Caidya’s extensive global trial infrastructure across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and China. The unified organization aims to provide biopharmaceutical sponsors with a seamless development pathway from First-in-Human studies through Phase III clinical trials and regulatory registration.

The combination creates an integrated CRO platform designed to support biopharmaceutical companies throughout the entire drug development lifecycle, from early-stage development through regulatory approval. Simbec-Orion brings nearly 50 years of experience to the partnership, including a 48-bed Phase I clinical pharmacology unit in Europe and established expertise in oncology and rare disease research. By merging these specialized capabilities with Caidya’s global footprint, the new entity offers a continuous development model that allows sponsors to maintain a single development partner from First-in-Human studies through Phase III clinical trials.

Leadership from both organizations emphasized that the move addresses the increasing complexity of global clinical execution and the growing trend of cross-border biopharma innovation. Barbara Lopez Kunz, CEO of Caidya, noted that the combination helps sponsors navigate the intersection of scientific innovation and operational complexity by combining Simbec-Orion’s European presence with Caidya’s global platform. Following the transaction, the combined company will operate under the Caidya brand with Lopez Kunz as CEO, while Simbec-Orion CEO Fabrice Chartier will continue to lead Simbec-Orion’s operations as part of the combined business.

The transaction significantly expands the geographic reach of both firms, giving Simbec-Orion broader access to U.S. and Asian markets while strengthening Caidya’s presence in Europe and adding specialized Phase I capabilities. Dr. Lingshi Tan, executive chairman of Caidya, highlighted the platform's unique positioning to facilitate the dual-direction flow of therapies between the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Anand Jain, partner at CBPE—which has invested significantly in Simbec-Orion since 2019—noted that the aligned cultures and connected development model provide sponsors a trusted, continuous path to registration. Financial and legal advisory for the deal included Edgemont and Sidley Austin for Caidya, while Stifel and Eversheds Sutherland advised Simbec-Orion and CBPE.