Iris Pharma
Iris Pharma is a France-based ophthalmology-focused contract research organization (CRO) founded in 1989, providing preclinical and clinical research services for ocular drugs and medical devices to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersLa Gaude, France
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Iris Pharma does
Iris Pharma is a France-based, privately held contract research organization (CRO) founded in 1989 by Dr. Pierre-Paul Elena, specializing exclusively in ophthalmic drug and medical device development. The company operates from its headquarters and preclinical facility in La Gaude (registered office in Grasse), with additional R&D premises at the Institut de la Vision in Paris, and employs 51-100 staff. Its service portfolio spans three integrated pillars: early testing (efficacy and proof-of-concept studies, early pharmacokinetics, pilot toxicology, formulation and delivery), preclinical development (in vivo pharmacology using a library of validated ocular disease models, GLP-compliant ocular tolerance and safety testing, and GLP pharmacokinetics with analytical method validation), and full-service clinical trial operations (Phase I-IV clinical operations, medical writing, regulatory affairs, central laboratory, data management and statistics).
The company serves enterprise pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients globally, with 8 of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies cited as clients and nearly 70 ocular drugs and medical devices brought to market in partnership over its 30+ year history. Proprietary and licensed technical assets include the EYEPRIM device (exclusive license from OPIA Technologies for ocular surface biopsies), advanced imaging and biochemical quantification equipment (HRA-OCT Spectralis, Luminex Lx200), and ANSM GLP certification with Status 'A' for human medicines and conformity for medical devices (most recently renewed February 2024). Revenue is generated through B2B professional services contracts quoted on a project basis, acquired primarily through enterprise sales, scientific conference presence (ARVO, BIO, ESCRS, AAO, Eyecelerator), and direct business development with R&D and procurement teams. Distribution is direct enterprise sales with global geographic reach including EMEA, North America, and Asia Pacific.
Iris Pharma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Iris Pharma
- Legal name
- Iris Pharma
- Website
- https://iris-pharma.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Iris Pharma is a France-based ophthalmology-focused contract research organization (CRO) founded in 1989, providing preclinical and clinical research services for ocular drugs and medical devices to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Iris Pharma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ophthalmic Contract Research Services
- NAICS
- Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)
- SIC
- Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty Therapeutic-Area CROs (e.g., oncology/rare disease) (HLAGAAAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Clinical CROs (Phase I–IV) (HLAGAAAA), Pharmacovigilance, Risk Management & Medical Affairs CROs (HLAGAAAH)
Keywords
Where Iris Pharma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- La Gaude
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Iris Pharma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Preclinical CRO Services: Provides preclinical studies including in vivo pharmacology, GLP ocular tolerance/safety, GLP pharmacokinetics, and formulation/delivery services for ophthalmic drug and device development.
- Clinical Trial Services: Full-service clinical research operations including clinical operations, medical writing, regulatory affairs, central laboratory, data management and statistics for Phase I-IV ophthalmic clinical trials.
- Consulting Services: Strategic consulting to help clients determine best indication for molecules and products in development, and ophthalmic drug development program advisory services.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Iris Pharma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Iris Pharma is a contract research organization (CRO) exclusively dedicated to ophthalmology, providing preclinical and clinical research services for ocular drugs and medical devices. Its service portfolio spans early testing (efficacy, pharmacokinetics, tolerance, formulation), preclinical development (in vivo pharmacology, GLP ocular toxicology and pharmacokinetics), and clinical trials (Phase I-IV clinical operations, medical writing, regulatory affairs, central laboratory, data management) covering ocular surface to posterior segment indications.
Product overview
Iris Pharma is a leading contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to ophthalmic research, offering a comprehensive suite of services from the ocular surface to the posterior segment of the eye. The company's portfolio centers on three core service pillars: (1) Early Testing Services including efficacy & proof of concept, early pharmacokinetics, pilot tolerance & safety, and formulation & delivery; (2) Preclinical Development Services encompassing in vivo pharmacology studies with specialized animal models (angiogenesis, neurodegeneration, glaucoma, allergy, inflammation, dry eye, corneal wound healing, pain, and surgery models), GLP Ocular Tolerance & Safety testing, and GLP Ocular Pharmacokinetics with analytical method validation; and (3) Clinical Trial Services covering clinical operations, medical writing, regulatory affairs, central laboratory, and data management. The company also provides specialized capabilities through the EYEPRIM device (licensed from OPIA Technologies) for ocular surface biopsies, strategic consulting for drug development programs, and cellular/molecular biology assays. Iris Pharma's unique value proposition lies in its specialized ophthalmology focus and expert network, having partnered with clients to bring nearly 70 ocular drugs and medical devices to market since its founding in 1989.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Preclinical Development Services Comprehensive preclinical ophthalmology services for pharmaceutical and biotech clients, including in vivo pharmacology studies, GLP Ocular Tolerance & Safety testing, and GLP Ocular Pharmacokinetics, covering the full spectrum from early preclinical through regulatory submission.
- In vivo Pharmacology Studies In vivo preclinical ocular models including angiogenesis & permeability, ocular neurodegeneration, ocular hypertension & glaucoma, ocular allergy, ocular inflammation, dry eye syndrome, corneal wound healing, ocular pain, and ocular surgery models.
- Early Testing Services Early-stage testing services for ocular drug and device programs, including efficacy & proof of concept, early pharmacokinetics, pilot tolerance & safety testing, and formulation & delivery optimization.
- Clinical Trial Services Full-service clinical research capabilities for ophthalmic trials, including clinical operations, medical writing, regulatory affairs, central laboratory, and data management & statistics across multiple ophthalmic indications and countries.
- EYEPRIM Device Patented medical device for performing conjunctival impressions to collect the most superficial layer of conjunctival epithelial cells (both goblet and non-goblet cells) from the conjunctival mucosa in a quasi-painless and non-invasive way for analyses and diagnosis.
- Ocular Disease Models Specialized animal models for ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration (dry and wet/exudative forms), diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, uveitis, cataract, conjunctivitis, and ocular rosacea.
- GLP Toxicology & Safety Testing GLP-compliant ocular tolerance and safety studies including acute local toxicity, chronic local toxicity, corneal anesthesia tests, ocular histopathology, lacrimation tests, and pupillary diameter assessments.
- GLP Ocular Pharmacokinetics Pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies with analytical method validation for ocular matrices using specialized techniques and equipment.
- Ophthalmic Drug Development Consulting Strategic consulting services for ophthalmic drug development programs including regulatory requirements guidance, data assembly, key studies identification, and development roadmap planning.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Assays Laboratory services for ocular biomarker analysis using cellular and molecular biology techniques to support preclinical and clinical research.
- Formulation & Delivery Services Preclinical formulation development and drug delivery optimization services including bench formulation and drug delivery systems evaluation.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 70 ocular drugs and medical devices brought to market in 30 years
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Iris Pharma
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Iris Pharma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
Iris Pharma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- StreetlabminorStrategic partnership to integrate quality of life assessment in clinical evaluation of new products for visually impaired. Combines Streetlab's expertise in mobility and quality of life for visually impaired with Iris Pharma's preclinical and clinical CRO services.
- OPIA TechnologiescoreLong-term license agreement for EYEPRIM device development in animal studies. Iris Pharma obtained exclusive license for using EYEPRIM device to perform ocular surface biopsies in preclinical research activities. Device enables conjunctival impression cytology for quasi-painless, non-invasive cell collection.
- RxGencoreStrategic alliance for ophthalmic drug development services. Collaboration enhances preclinical and clinical research capabilities for mutual clients.
- PMI (Pharmaceutical Management Institute)coreStrategic alliance to expand clinical research capabilities in ophthalmology.
- OculoscoreStrategic alliance for clinical research operations in the USA, expanding Iris Pharma's geographic reach.
- Institut de la VisioncoreResearch partnership and facilities at the Vision Institute in Paris. Iris Pharma opened new premises at the Institut de la Vision for enhanced R&D collaboration with leading vision researchers.
- ClirophthacoreMerger creating a unique ophthalmology CRO entity, combining capabilities and expertise of both organizations.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Iris Pharma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Medpace Holdings: Mid-to-large global CRO with relevant ophthalmology trial capabilities. Increasingly competing for specialty clinical programs including ophthalmology with a full-service model.
- ICON plc: Major global CRO offering ophthalmology clinical trial services among many other therapeutic areas. Relevant peer for larger Phase II/III ophthalmology programs where ICON's scale and global site network are competitive advantages.
- Charles River Laboratories: Large preclinical and clinical CRO with ophthalmology capabilities as part of a broader portfolio. Competes with Iris Pharma on the preclinical/GLP side, leveraging significantly greater scale and global infrastructure.
- IQVIA: Global full-service CRO with established ophthalmology practice. Competes with Iris Pharma for large multi-country ophthalmology trials where sponsors value global reach and integrated data/technology services.
- WuXi AppTec: Global CRO/CDMO with preclinical and clinical ophthalmology services as part of broader discovery-through-trial offering. Comparable on preclinical animal studies and emerging as a competitor for ophthalmology sponsors.
- LabCorp (Covance Clinical Services): Diversified CRO and central laboratory services business with ophthalmology practice. Overlaps with Iris Pharma on central lab and clinical operations for ophthalmology trials, with substantially broader portfolio.
Direct peers
- Ora, Inc. US-headquartered ophthalmology-focused CRO offering preclinical and clinical research services for ocular therapies. Most directly comparable to Iris Pharma given its exclusive ophthalmology focus, full preclinical-to-clinical service mix, and similar sponsor base of large pharma and biotech.
- Lexitas Pharma Services: Specialty ophthalmology CRO providing preclinical and clinical services for ocular drug development. Competes with Iris Pharma for the same ophthalmology sponsor programs and offers overlapping capabilities around ophthalmic clinical trial design and execution.
- Clirophtha: Ophthalmology-specialized clinical CRO that merged with Iris Pharma in 2021 to form a combined entity. Direct comparable in therapeutic focus, customer profile, and service line; effectively now part of the Iris platform.
Emerging players
- Pharmaron: China-headquartered CRO with growing ophthalmology preclinical capabilities and US/EU footprint expansion. Represents an emerging competitor in the ophthalmology preclinical market, particularly attractive to sponsors seeking Asia-based development partners.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Iris Pharma social profiles
Digital presenceIris Pharma compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Iris Pharma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Iris Pharma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Iris Pharma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Iris Pharma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Iris Pharma
What does Iris Pharma do?
Iris Pharma is a contract research organization (CRO) exclusively dedicated to ophthalmology, providing preclinical and clinical research services for ocular drugs and medical devices. Its service portfolio spans early testing (efficacy, pharmacokinetics, tolerance, formulation), preclinical development (in vivo pharmacology, GLP ocular toxicology and pharmacokinetics), and clinical trials (Phase I-IV clinical operations, medical writing, regulatory affairs, central laboratory, data management) covering ocular surface to posterior segment indications.
Is Iris Pharma a public or private company?
Iris Pharma is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Iris Pharma founded?
Iris Pharma was founded in 1989. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Iris Pharma based?
Iris Pharma is headquartered in La Gaude, France, in the Europe region.
How does Iris Pharma make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Preclinical CRO Services are the primary driver. The others are clinical Trial Services and consulting Services.
Who are Iris Pharma's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Medpace Holdings, ICON plc, Charles River Laboratories, IQVIA, WuXi AppTec and LabCorp (Covance Clinical Services). Direct peers are Ora, Inc., Lexitas Pharma Services and Clirophtha. Pharmaron is listed as an emerging player.
Does Iris Pharma have an API?
No public API is recorded for Iris Pharma.
What industry is Iris Pharma in?
Iris Pharma's product category is Ophthalmic Contract Research Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAAAL, Specialty Therapeutic-Area CROs (e.g., oncology/rare disease), with a secondary code of HLAGAAAA, Clinical CROs (Phase I–IV). Its NAICS code is 6215 and its SIC code is 8071.