Comac Medical Group Expands in Europe with ILIFE Consulting Acquisition

Comac Medical Group Expands Its European Footprint with ILIFE Consulting Acquisition

In a significant strategic move, Comac Medical Group, headquartered in the UK, has recently announced the acquisition of ILIFE Consulting, a renowned French specialized contract research organization (CRO) known for its expertise in early-phase oncology and biotechnological studies. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in Comac's ambition to become a leading pan-European full-service CRO partner for small to medium-sized biopharmaceutical companies, extending its recent expansions into the United States, Germany, and the UK.

Founded in 2013 by Marina Iché, ILIFE Consulting has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality strategic advice and conducting clinical trials for biotech firms. By integrating ILIFE into its operations, Comac aims to leverage the complementary expertise and resources offered by ILIFE to create new opportunities for its clients. This partnership will enhance Comac’s capabilities in biostatistics, data management, pharmacovigilance, and bioanalytical services, bolstered by Comac's cutting-edge early-phase research unit.

Marina Iché, the founder and CEO of ILIFE, will maintain her leadership role and become a significant stakeholder in the Comac Group. She emphasized the critical importance of preserving ILIFE's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-centric service delivery following the acquisition. Iché expressed her enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, "We are mobilizing our resources and energy to ensure successful partnerships with our clients. Our aim is to provide transformative innovations to patients through our enhanced service portfolio that will benefit our growing clientele in Europe and beyond."

Chris Smyth, the newly appointed CEO of Comac Medical Group, highlighted the strategic fit of ILIFE within Comac’s existing operations. He stated that ILIFE's established presence and expertise within the French biotech ecosystem significantly enhances the group's capabilities, further solidifying their commitment to deliver outstanding value to stakeholders across an expanded geographic and therapeutic landscape.

This pivotal announcement aligns with Comac Medical Group's recent managerial changes and international expansion efforts. The group has recently appointed several key executives, including Chris Smyth as the new CEO effective September 1, 2025, along with Christian Buhlmann as Chief Commercial Officer and Peter Windisch as Chief Operating Officer. Neil Ferguson will serve as the Chairman of the Board.

About ILIFE Consulting

ILIFE Consulting is a Paris-based CRO specializing in the early phases of oncology and biotechnology development. Since its inception, ILIFE has collaborated with emerging biotech companies to provide tailored strategic and operational support, facilitating everything from protocol design to the full execution of clinical trials, including first-in-human and multi-country studies. The firm’s in-depth knowledge in areas such as oncology, rare diseases, and complex regulatory environments allows it to expedite timelines and optimize data quality for its clients, who span over 20 biotech sponsors throughout Europe.

About Comac Medical Group

The Comac Medical Group is positioned as a pan-European full-service CRO provider based in London, dedicated to becoming the preferred partner for small to medium-sized biopharma companies. With operations spanning over 30 countries across Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, Comac offers a comprehensive range of services throughout the drug development process, from early to late phases, in various therapeutic areas including oncology, rare diseases, dermatology, gastroenterology, and respiratory conditions. Comac's Clinical Research Unit (CRU), inspected by both the FDA and EMA for Phase I, bioavailability, and bioequivalence studies, boasts over 20 years of experience, making it the largest facility of its kind in the region.

Conclusion

The acquisition of ILIFE Consulting positions Comac Medical Group well in the competitive landscape of early-phase biopharmaceutical development. By combining resources and expertise, both entities are set to foster innovation, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen their positions within the European biotech ecosystem. As Comac expands its operations, its focus on facilitating groundbreaking treatments for patients across diverse therapeutic areas remains steadfast.

For more information, visit ILIFE Consulting and Comac Medical Group.