Avance Clinical Acquires LumaBridge, Forging a Global Oncology Powerhouse

ADELAIDE, Australia – January 07, 2026 – Global contract research organization (CRO) Avance Clinical has announced its strategic acquisition of LumaBridge, a U.S.-based CRO specializing in oncology. The move establishes a new global Oncology Center of Excellence for Avance and marks a significant expansion of its capabilities within the United States, positioning the company to capture a larger share of the world's most dynamic therapeutic research sector.

This acquisition unites Avance Clinical's established strength in early-phase trials across Australia and New Zealand with LumaBridge's deep scientific expertise in complex, later-phase cancer studies. The combination promises to offer biotech sponsors a more streamlined and efficient global pathway for developing next-generation cancer treatments, from initial discovery through to pivotal trials.

A Strategic Play in a High-Stakes Market

The acquisition is a calculated move into the heart of the most lucrative and rapidly expanding segment of clinical research. The global oncology clinical trials market, valued at over USD 17 billion in 2024, is projected by industry analysts to swell to more than USD 33 billion by 2032. This explosive growth is fueled by a rising global cancer incidence, significant R&D investment, and a wave of innovation in personalized medicine, including immunotherapies and cell and gene therapies.

North America, and specifically the United States, represents the epicenter of this activity, accounting for over 42% of the market's revenue. For any CRO with global ambitions, a robust operational footprint and deep expertise within the U.S. is not just an advantage—it is a necessity. By acquiring LumaBridge, Avance Clinical gains an immediate and credible foothold, complete with experienced leadership and established relationships with U.S. investigators and clinical sites.

In a moderately fragmented CRO landscape where mid-sized organizations compete with giants like IQVIA and LabCorp, therapeutic specialization has become a key differentiator. This deal exemplifies that strategy, allowing Avance to build a world-class, specialized service offering in a high-demand area, thereby enhancing its competitive edge and appeal to the hundreds of biotech companies focused exclusively on oncology.

Creating a Seamless Global Pathway for Biotech

For the biotech sponsors that form the core clientele of both organizations, the merger is designed to create a seamless, end-to-end development pipeline. Avance Clinical has built a strong reputation with its GlobalReady program, which enables international biotechs to leverage Australia and New Zealand's efficient regulatory pathways and attractive R&D tax incentives for fast and cost-effective Phase I trials.

Previously, sponsors would need to find a new partner to continue development in the U.S. and other global regions for later-phase trials. The integration of LumaBridge solves this problem, creating a single, cohesive entity that can guide a therapy's journey across continents and clinical phases. This integrated model is designed to reduce administrative friction, ensure continuity of data and project management, and ultimately accelerate timelines.

“LumaBridge brings strategic oncology expertise and strong relationships with investigators and sites across the United States,” said Mark Harvill, Chief Executive Officer of Avance Clinical. “Through this combination, we will be actively serving more than 50 biotechs developing leading oncology therapies by accelerating development starting in the Australia/New Zealand region and partnering with them through phase II and beyond to their ultimate inflection point.”

Fusing Expertise with the LumaBridge Integration

At the heart of the acquisition is the fusion of complementary expertise. LumaBridge, founded in 2014 as Cancer Insight by the distinguished surgical oncologist Dr. George E. Peoples, has carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on the complexities of oncology trials. Dr. Peoples' extensive background in cancer vaccine development has imbued the company with a scientific rigor and innovative spirit that is critical for navigating the evolving landscape of cancer research.

The creation of a global Oncology Center of Excellence, with LumaBridge as its foundation, signals Avance's intent to preserve and amplify this specialized knowledge. Rather than simply absorbing a smaller firm, the strategy appears to be one of empowerment, placing LumaBridge's seasoned team at the core of its global oncology operations. This approach aims to retain the very talent and culture that made the company an attractive acquisition target.

“LumaBridge has spent many years delivering complex oncology studies grounded in scientific rigor and clinical excellence,” stated Dr. Peoples, Founder and Executive Chairman of LumaBridge. “Building on that foundation and combining it with Avance Clinical’s early-phase operational strength and global readiness, we will offer biotech sponsors a more integrated and efficient pathway to advance important oncology therapies for patients.”

Navigating the Complexities of Modern Oncology Trials

The need for such specialized expertise has never been greater. Modern oncology trials are profoundly more complex than those of a decade ago. The rise of personalized medicine requires intricate biomarker logistics and patient stratification strategies. The development of immunotherapies and cell and gene therapies involves unique safety protocols, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory considerations. Successfully managing these trials demands more than just operational capacity; it requires deep scientific, medical, and regulatory insight specific to cancer.

The combined Avance-LumaBridge entity is now better positioned to provide this comprehensive support. Biotech clients gain access to a team that understands the nuances of novel trial designs, the management of advanced therapies, and the expectations of regulatory bodies like the FDA. By offering this specialized guidance from the earliest stages of development, the organization can help sponsors avoid common pitfalls, optimize study protocols, and increase the probability of success.

This integration of global early-phase efficiency with deep, U.S.-based oncology expertise creates a compelling new option for biotech innovators. As the fight against cancer becomes increasingly sophisticated, the partnership between Avance Clinical and LumaBridge is poised to play a crucial role in accelerating the journey of promising new therapies from the laboratory to the patients who need them most.