PharmaCord & Mercalis Merge to Advance Biopharma Solutions
PharmaCord LLC (“PharmaCord”), a leading provider of patient services for the biopharmaceutical industry, and Mercalis, an integrated life sciences commercialization partner, have announced a merger to create one of the largest independent total solutions providers in the biopharmaceutical sector. The merger will bring together PharmaCord’s expertise in patient services with Mercalis’s advanced technology and market access capabilities, forming a robust platform designed to enhance the commercialization process for pharmaceutical companies.
PharmaCord: A Leader in Patient Services
PharmaCord is a high-growth pharmaceutical services company that partners with over 30 biopharmaceutical organizations. Its primary goal is to enhance the patient experience through various services that facilitate treatment access, improve affordability, and promote adherence to therapy. PharmaCord employs more than 1,100 professionals and supports over 100 biopharmaceutical products through its diverse programs. The company was acquired by funds advised by Permira in September 2024, further strengthening its market position.
Mercalis: A Comprehensive Commercialization Partner
Mercalis, a portfolio company of Odyssey Investment Partners (“Odyssey”), employs over 1,800 associates and supports more than 500 clients in bringing healthcare products to market. Established in 2000, Mercalis provides end-to-end commercialization support, integrating market access insights, patient support services, and provider engagement solutions. Its services help life science companies navigate complex healthcare landscapes, ensuring patients receive the medications they need efficiently and effectively.
A Strategic Merger for Innovation and Growth
The combination of PharmaCord’s patient service capabilities with Mercalis’s commercialization expertise will create a next-generation platform to address evolving industry needs. This merger aims to enhance patient access to specialty medications, improve affordability, and tackle adherence challenges. By integrating Mercalis’s data-driven technology with PharmaCord’s hands-on patient support, the newly formed entity is poised to redefine pharmaceutical commercialization.
Industry Leaders Express Confidence in the Merger
Robert Truckenmiller, CEO of PharmaCord, emphasized that the merger is not just about expansion but about transformation. “By uniting PharmaCord’s expertise in hub services with Mercalis’s leadership in patient access solutions, we are creating a platform that will streamline patient and provider experiences while unlocking new efficiencies for manufacturers.”
Scott Dulitz, CEO of Mercalis, echoed similar sentiments. “Mercalis and PharmaCord share a mission to enhance patient outcomes. This merger strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive commercialization support, offering life science companies a seamless pathway to bringing their therapies to market.” Dulitz also acknowledged Odyssey’s strategic role in guiding Mercalis’s growth over the past seven years.
Investment and Future Prospects
Permira, a global investment firm, will hold a majority stake in the combined company, with Truckenmiller serving as CEO and Dulitz as President. The merger will create one of the largest independent patient access organizations, bringing together the full spectrum of commercialization solutions under one roof.
Jon Maschmeyer, Partner at Permira, highlighted the potential for industry advancement. “With our support, the combined company will have the resources to continue innovating and catering to the evolving needs of both patients and biopharmaceutical companies.”
Jeffrey McKibben, Senior Managing Principal at Odyssey, expressed confidence in the long-term success of the merger. “The union of Mercalis and PharmaCord is a strategic opportunity to form a powerhouse in life sciences commercialization. We are proud of our partnership with Mercalis and look forward to seeing the combined company’s impact on the healthcare industry.”
Regulatory Approvals and Closing Conditions
The merger is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with an expected completion in the third quarter of 2025. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
Legal and Financial Advisory Roles
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel for PharmaCord, with Jefferies LLC and Leerink Partners acting as financial advisors. Latham & Watkins LLP is providing legal counsel to Odyssey and Mercalis, while Harris Williams is serving as their financial advisor.
