Press Releases

Today, Univo IRB was announced as the new company name for Principal IRB. Univo IRB is a next generation institutional review board (IRB) recently acquired by QHP Capital, an investment manager exclusively focused on building and supporting tech-enabled life sciences and pharma services companies. Univo IRB is focused on full-scale IRB services, bringing decades of IRB and clinical operations experience to support today’s clinical trials.

At last week’s SCOPE Summit in Orlando, Florida, Univo IRB shared its plans to bring the voice of patients closer to research by creating an agile and efficient IRB review experience. This experience can only be achieved by combining Univo’s highly proficient workforce consisting of IRB members and staff who have hands-on research experience and industry-first technologies that are purpose-built for today’s complex trials. Univo IRB maintains accreditation through the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), which consists of a federally regulated IRB committee charged with protecting the rights and welfare of people in research.

“The IRB sector has seen significant consolidation as firms vie to remain competitive in the face of economic, regulatory, and societal challenges affecting research review and oversight; however, most IRB’s have become too big and bureaucratic, limiting their agility and ability to service customers and patients in today’s modern research environment,” said Univo IRB President Julie Blasingim. “At Univo, we do not want to be biggest IRB, but we are clearly focused on being the best! We welcome you to experience the best and witness our commitment to highly qualified IRB reviews with fast turnarounds and exceptional customer experience.”

“Univo IRB is committed to reviving the IRB industry’s focus on principles of human research protection, unifying patients and research,” said Michael Sorensen, Partner at QHP Capital. “We remain committed to supporting this team of IRB experts and the company as it launches the modern iteration of IRB solutions and grows to support the next generation of clinical trials.”

About Univo IRB

Univo IRB, formerly Principal IRB, is a next generation institutional review board (IRB) specializing in the ethical review of Phase I-IV pharmaceutical, device, biologic, behavioral, and psycho-social research. We offer agile study approaches, expert solutions powered by industry-leading study technology, and a service-first approach. Univo IRB holds accreditation through the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP). With support from senior advisors and 60+ years of industry experience, Univo IRB guides your study to approval while respecting the rights and welfare of patients every step of the way.

About QHP Capital

QHP Capital, L.P. invests in lower middle market healthcare companies primarily in North America, with a focus on services and technology companies where a strategic partner and operating resources can accelerate growth. Targeting companies in healthcare and pharmaceutical services industries, QHP invests in the form of buyouts, growth equity, and recapitalizations.