BOSTON — SV Health Investors, a private investment firm focused on healthcare and life sciences, has acquired EpiVax Inc., a Providence, Rhode Island-based bioanalytical contract research organization specializing in immunogenicity risk assessment.
EpiVax, which has operated for more than 25 years, provides pre-clinical drug development support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and has built a reputation as a scientific advisor in the life sciences sector. The acquisition marks a new platform investment for SV Health Investors, extending its presence in outsourced pharmaceutical services.
“This partnership marks an important next chapter for EpiVax and reflects SV Health Investors’ confidence in our leadership team, differentiated capabilities, and scientific expertise,” said Annie De Groot, M.D., founder of EpiVax. “We are proud of EpiVax’s reputation as an industry leader, and we are confident that SVHI is the right partner to take the company forward.”
SV Health Investors said the deal aligns with its strategy of partnering with founders and management teams to scale healthcare businesses. A.J. Rossi, a partner at the firm, said, “EpiVax has demonstrated exceptional growth — and we are excited to support the management team with strategic guidance, capital, and access to our life sciences ecosystem, while preserving the company’s culture and customer-first approach.”
The firm brings experience in technology-enabled pharmaceutical services and has previously invested in companies including Adimab, Clario (BioClinica), Celerion, and Leiters.
Rich-Henry Schabowsky, Ph.D., J.D., chief executive officer of EpiVax, said, “The collaboration with SVHI strengthens EpiVax’s position as a leader in immunogenicity risk assessment, accelerating our growth and science-driven innovation, while enhancing our ability to support global pharma and biotech partners in improving risk and resource management and more efficiently developing regulatory-ready strategies.”
EpiVax plans to expand its capabilities following the acquisition, including the launch of advanced computational tools, cell-based assay applications, and broader analytical consulting services.
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal advisor to SV Health Investors, while Foley & Lardner LLP advised EpiVax.
