Buy Combines Medical Panels

UK firm Opinion Health has acquired Pearl Medical, which operates a panel of around 2000 primary-care doctors.

Opinion Health, established in 2005, offers full service as well as panel research and exclusively targets the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector. Panel members earn points to exchange for money or donate to charity, and are profiled against over 80 therapy areas. Pearl Medical offers healthcare professionals a free BlackBerry and a range of organiser and information services in exchange for a monthly fee and/or completion of weekly questionnaires.

Opinion Health MD Andrew Wigmore says the buy will 'significantly expand' his firm's product offering. 'With Pearl Medical, we will be able to provide omnibus and ad-hoc research with primary care professionals, and we have plans in place to extend this to secondary care as well as other specialist healthcare professional panels such as nurses and pharmacists.'

Chris Tobin, MD of Pearl Medical, comments: 'we join a strong research brand with solid credentials within both the consumer and healthcare market place. Pearl Medical will retain our long-standing relationship with member GPs who will also benefit from the enhanced capabilities, resources and opportunities that Opinion Health will bring.'

Web sites: www.opinionhealth.co.uk and www.pearlmedical.co.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.