Alcanza Clinical Research has acquired Tampa Bay Medical Research, an independent clinical research center with a nearly four-decade legacy of advancing medical science and patient care. This strategic acquisition represents a significant development in clinical research infrastructure that could impact how trials are conducted and who can access them.
The importance of this acquisition lies in its potential to bridge the gap between national research networks and community-based clinical expertise. TBMR has completed more than 600 clinical trials across a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas for more than 70 pharmaceutical and medical device sponsors since its founding in 1984. With facilities totaling over 5000 sq ft in Clearwater and Largo, TBMR has established itself as a trusted partner for both community participants and global sponsors seeking high-quality clinical data.
For patients in the Tampa Bay region and beyond, this consolidation could mean expanded access to cutting-edge therapies and clinical trial opportunities. The combined organization aims to preserve the local expertise and personalized care that TBMR participants and sponsors have come to rely on while leveraging Alcanza's scalable infrastructure. This integration is particularly significant for underrepresented communities who historically face barriers to clinical trial participation.
The acquisition brings together TBMR's operational excellence with Alcanza's national network of 25 dedicated research units and additional integrated specialty clinic sites. TBMR has earned its reputation through a multidisciplinary team of Principal Investigators, certified clinical research coordinators and support staff. CEO and Medical Director of TBMR, Sureka Bollepalli, MD, brings over 20 years of experience conducting NIH and industry-sponsored trials from study initiation through execution and close-out.
"Partnering with high quality clinical research businesses and operators remains a top priority for us. We are very excited to welcome Dr. Bollepalli and her TBMR team to the Alcanza family," said Carlos Orantes, CEO at Alcanza Clinical Research. This strategic move aligns with Alcanza's mission to expand its national footprint while maintaining local research quality.
From an industry perspective, the acquisition demonstrates the ongoing consolidation trend in clinical research, where established networks seek to integrate specialized local centers. This could lead to more efficient trial execution and potentially faster development timelines for new therapies. The combined entity supports studies across all trial phases and major therapeutic areas, positioning it to handle complex research requirements.
Dr. Bollepalli emphasized the partnership's potential impact, stating, "This partnership strengthens our ability to support patients, deepen community engagement, and expand access to high-quality clinical research—allowing us to advance care and improve lives together." The integration of TBMR's community presence with Alcanza's strategic partnerships could create a model for how clinical research networks can maintain local sensitivity while achieving national scale.
For the broader medical community, this acquisition represents an opportunity to accelerate clinical research through combined resources. By integrating TBMR's nearly 40 years of research experience with Alcanza's established network, the organization is poised to broaden access to innovative treatment opportunities for patients who might otherwise lack such options. More information about Alcanza's research network can be found at https://alcanzaclinical.com.
