Icon, the Dublin based provider of drug development solutions and services, said on Monday it has acquired US clinical trial specialist PMG Research for an undisclosed amount. The deal will enhance Icon's ability to help its customers with drug development.

Ciaran Murray, chief executive, Icon, said: "Enrolling and engaging patients in clinical trials is a key challenge within drug development. Leveraging PMG Research's network, we will help customers to enhance clinical trial feasibility and improve patient enrolment timelines whilst also giving patients access to a broader range of care options through clinical trials".

PMG Research operates an integrated network of clinical research sites from 12 metropolitan areas throughout the US. It consists of 48 physician practices and large multi-specialty healthcare institutions throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois. It conducts clinical trials in all major therapeutic areas with particular experience in cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, men’s health, neurology, pulmonology, rheumatology, vaccine, and women’s health trials.

The deal is ICON’s second acquisition this year, following its aquisition of MediMedia Pharma Solutions in March.