Merge Intros CIMS Imaging Solution – Analyst Blog

Merge Healthcare Incorporated (MRGE) has unveiled a novel solution for imaging in clinical trials. The new solution, dubbed Clinical Imaging Management System (CIMS), will debut at the 2010 Drug Information Association (DIA) Annual Meeting in Washington D.C, being held from June 13-17, 2010.

The CIMS solution has been designed to revolutionize imaging in clinical trials. It is the first commercially available open platform which enables organizations to efficiently manage all aspects of imaging in a cost-effective manner. CIMS automates the full imaging process which involves stages such as image submission, storage, analysis and viewing. Moreover, CIMS can be fully integrated with any Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system to offer end-to-end visibility of trial data.  

Merge is a health care software and services company focused on integrating radiology workflow to improve productivity, profitability and patient care by fusing business and clinical workflow, and intelligently managing and distributing diagnostic images and information throughout the health care enterprise.

The company entered into the eClinical solutions market with its acquisition of etrials Worldwide (now operating as Merge eClinical) in July 2009. The acquisition has expanded Merge’s addressable market for solutions it offers to the clinical trials industry. Moreover, the company has acquired its rival Amicas Inc for $248 million in April 2010. The acquisition has created a leading provider of imaging software and healthcare IT solutions with a strong customer base and significant international presence.

Merge provides its etrials software and services to pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and contract research organizations (CROs), which facilitate data capture, logistics, patient interaction and clinical trial management.

Merge has tremendous growth potential in the diagnostic imaging workflow applications market. In today’s digital world, film has become almost obsolete. However, only a small percentage of diagnostic imaging procedures are processed digitally. Considering the low market penetration, Merge’s products/solutions could capture a significant market share as more customers convert to digital procedures.

CIMS will further strengthen Merge’s foothold in the lucrative eClinical market. The market for the company’s clinical trial solutions is currently $500 million and is growing at an annual rate of 16.4%.