Lexitas Pharma Services, a Leading Ophthalmology CRO, Announces the Acquisition of Erie Retina Research, CASExERIE and Element Erie

Dr. David Almeida joins Lexitas as Chief Retina Strategy Officer as the company builds a unified, science-first ecosystem for complex vitreoretinal studies.

DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lexitas Pharma Services, a portfolio company of QHP Capital, is pleased to announce the closing of its acquisition of Erie Retina Research—one of the nation’s premier retina research centers led by Dr. David Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD—which will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Lexitas. As part of the transaction, Lexitas also acquired CASExERIE, LLC, an ophthalmic innovation hub specializing in advanced research, surgical training, and retina-focused product development. CASExERIE will continue to operate within Erie Retina Research. Lexitas is also acquiring the assets of Element Erie: Imaging & Reading Center PLLC, a dedicated center focused on the expert review and interpretation of ophthalmic imaging used in clinical trials.

This partnership with Dr. Almeida enables Lexitas to accelerate ophthalmic innovation by uniting its world-class clinical trial operations with the deep scientific, clinical, and investigative expertise of Erie Retina Research, supported by the surgical innovation, training capabilities, and device-development strengths of CASExERIE. Together, this integrated structure expands Lexitas’ footprint in retina research at a time of rapid scientific and therapeutic advancement, positioning the organization to meet growing demand for high-quality, high-efficiency retinal clinical trials through a combination of operational rigor, specialized expertise, and superior performance across the retina development landscape. The addition of Element Erie’s imaging and grading capabilities further strengthens Lexitas’ reading center offering and deepens integration by bringing expanded image datasets and the expertise of Dr. Almeida as a leading retinal image reader and grader, enhancing the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, centralized image analysis critical to evaluating therapeutic outcomes in ophthalmology trials.

Creating an Integrated Retina Research Ecosystem

The partnership establishes a fully integrated retina research platform designed to increase consistency, accelerate timelines, and enhance quality across the full clinical development lifecycle. Key advantages include:

• Expanded Patient Access: Increased reach across a wider range of retinal diseases, leveraging the combined networks of both organizations.
• Enrollment Performance: Combined site and CRO strengths enable faster, more predictable patient enrollment.
• Operational Efficiency: Integrated infrastructure reduces delays and variability in trial execution.
• Surgical & Device Innovation: Enhanced expertise in surgical and medical device trials, including specialized access to CASExERIE for surgical training, device evaluation, and advanced procedural innovation.
• Centralized Image Reading & Analysis: Expansion of reading center capabilities through the acquisition of Element Erie, adding specialized expertise in ophthalmic image interpretation, larger imaging datasets, and the involvement of Dr. Almeida as an expert reader and grader to support more consistent, high-quality endpoint evaluation.
• Scientific Leadership: In-house retina expertise and the innovation infrastructure of CASExERIE to support protocol design, scientific consultation, and clinical strategy from early-phase through late-stage development.

This collaboration strengthens Lexitas’ ability to offer a fully integrated retina solution—one that combines operational rigor with scientific depth, expanded reach, and coordinated services for sponsors.

“This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Lexitas and for the advancement of retina research,” said Jeanne Hecht, CEO of Lexitas Pharma Services. “By integrating the exceptional capabilities of Erie Retina Research and CASExERIE with our operational platform, we are building a research ecosystem that is faster, more predictable, and more aligned with sponsor needs. Most importantly, it expands access for patients and accelerates progress toward meaningful ophthalmic therapies.”

Upon closing, the President and CEO of Erie Retina Research and Founder of CASExERIE, Dr. David Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD will join Lexitas as Chief Retina Strategy Officer, leading scientific and strategic development across the combined retina portfolio. “We are thrilled to join Lexitas and help shape the future of retina research,” said Dr. Almeida. “Together, we are creating a coordinated, world-class retina research engine that brings together scientific expertise, operational excellence, and the infrastructure needed to deliver for sponsors and for patients. This collaboration empowers us to broaden our impact and enhance the way we serve patients and sponsors.”

Agenda Health served as financial advisor to Erie Retina Research.

About Lexitas Pharma Services:

Lexitas is the leading full-service ophthalmology clinical research organization (CRO). With unmatched expertise and precision in ophthalmic research, we deliver tailored approaches, rigorous quality standards, and unwavering commitment to operational success. Our team of experts, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and clinical operations specialists, brings extensive medical, scientific, regulatory, and operational knowledge across all ophthalmology subspecialties. With a deep understanding of patient treatment pathways, provider and research networks, and market opportunities, Lexitas provides customized solutions that support your needs at every stage of development. Visit www.lexitas.com for more information.

About Erie Retina Research:

Erie Retina Research, led by vitreoretinal surgeon and clinician‑scientist Dr. David R.P. Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD, is a leading ophthalmic clinical research center based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The organization conducts cutting‑edge surgical and pharmaceutical retina studies and has an active portfolio of more than 40 active clinical trials, including multiple “First Patient In” recognitions for operational excellence. With over 1,000 patients enrolled in research and a track record of advancing innovative treatments since 2019, Erie Retina Research is committed to expanding access to groundbreaking therapies and improving outcomes for patients with retinal diseases. Visit https://erieretinaresearch.com/ for more information.

About CASExERIE:

CASExERIE is an innovation hub advancing ophthalmology through cutting‑edge research, surgical training, and collaborative product development. Led by Dr. David Almeida, the organization brings together top retina specialists and industry partners to drive new treatments and elevate standards of eye care. Its state‑of‑the‑art facilities support product development, advanced skills training, and programs designed to improve patient vision outcomes. Visit https://casexerie.com for more information.

About Element Erie: Imaging & Reading Center:

Element Erie: Imaging & Reading Center is a specialized ophthalmic imaging and reading center focused on the precise analysis and interpretation of ocular imaging and clinical data for clinical trials. Utilizing advanced modalities and supported by a team of experienced ophthalmologists, researchers, and technicians, Element Erie delivers rigorous, high-quality assessments that enable sponsors to evaluate treatment safety and efficacy. Visit https://elementerie.com/ to learn more.

About QHP Capital:

QHP Capital is a lower middle market private equity firm investing in growth-oriented healthcare companies. The firm focuses on businesses benefiting from strong market tailwinds, differentiated capabilities, and disciplined execution.

QHP employs a thematic, research-driven investment strategy, proactively identifying structural growth opportunities across pharma services, life sciences, and medical technology sectors. The firm builds scaled strategic platforms in partnership with founders and management teams, combining capital with sector expertise and an extensive industry network. QHP works alongside portfolio companies to accelerate growth through strategic clarity, disciplined execution, and institutional infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.qhpcapital.com.