Lexitas Pharma Services, a portfolio company of QHP Capital, has expanded its retina research capabilities through the acquisition of Erie Retina Research, CASExERIE, and the assets of Element Erie: Imaging & Reading Center PLLC.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Erie Retina Research, in Erie, Pennsylvania, led by retina specialist and researcher David Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD, will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Lexitas. The transaction also includes the acquisition of CASExERIE, an ophthalmic innovation hub focused on advanced research, surgical training, and retina-focused product development, which will continue to operate within Erie Retina Research. In addition, Lexitas acquired the assets of Element Erie, a specialized imaging and reading center dedicated to the review and interpretation of ophthalmic imaging used in clinical trials.

The combined organizations are expected to create a fully integrated retina research ecosystem designed to accelerate ophthalmic innovation and improve efficiency across the clinical development process, according to Lexitas. By bringing together Lexitas’ clinical trial operations with Erie Retina Research’s scientific and investigative expertise, the partnership aims to strengthen the delivery of high-quality retinal clinical trials at a time of rapid growth in retinal therapeutics.

According to the company, the partnership is expected to deliver several strategic advantages, including expanded patient access across a broader range of retinal diseases, improved patient enrollment performance, and increased operational efficiency through integrated infrastructure and coordinated services.

The addition of CASExERIE is also expected to enhance Lexitas’ capabilities in surgical and medical device trials by providing specialized resources for surgical training, device evaluation, and procedural innovation. The organizations said the collaboration will further strengthen scientific leadership in retina development through integrated expertise supporting protocol design, clinical strategy, and scientific consultation from early-stage through late-stage clinical development.

As part of the transaction, Dr. Almeida, President and CEO of Erie Retina Research and founder of CASExERIE, will join Lexitas as Chief Retina Strategy Officer. In his new role, he will lead scientific and strategic development across the combined retina portfolio.