PharmaCord and Mercalis Merge to Build Next-Gen Biopharma Platform
PharmaCord and Mercalis, two leading providers of patient access and commercialization services for the biopharmaceutical industry, have announced a strategic merger to form one of the largest independent total solutions providers in the sector. This partnership is set to revolutionize the way life science companies bring new therapies to market, offering a fully integrated platform that enhances patient access, affordability, and adherence.
A Transformative Merger
The merger between PharmaCord and Mercalis brings together two highly complementary organizations, each with a strong legacy in improving patient experiences and supporting pharmaceutical companies. PharmaCord has built a reputation as a high-growth company specializing in patient services, working with over 30 biopharmaceutical organizations to support more than 100 specialty medications. Mercalis, backed by Odyssey Investment Partners, provides end-to-end commercialization solutions to over 500 clients, combining market access expertise, patient support services, and healthcare provider engagement tools.
By uniting their capabilities, the newly combined company will provide an unmatched breadth of services, positioning itself as a leading force in patient access and pharmaceutical commercialization. The merger aligns with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry by leveraging both companies’ expertise, technology infrastructure, and commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Strengthening Patient Access and Market Efficiency
The combined entity will streamline the commercialization process by integrating PharmaCord’s deep experience in patient support services with Mercalis’s robust infrastructure and data-driven market access solutions. This enhanced platform will address critical industry challenges, such as improving access to specialty medications, reducing financial barriers for patients, and ensuring optimal therapy adherence.
“This combination is about more than growth—it’s about impact and transformation to meet evolving manufacturer and patient needs,” said Robert Truckenmiller, CEO of PharmaCord. “By uniting PharmaCord’s deep expertise in hub services with Mercalis’s established leadership in end-to-end patient access solutions and robust infrastructure, we are building a next-generation platform that redefines how life science companies bring innovative therapies to market.”
The newly merged company aims to optimize the patient experience by reducing delays in therapy initiation and enhancing affordability through financial assistance and reimbursement support. Additionally, healthcare providers will benefit from streamlined processes that minimize administrative burdens and ensure patients receive timely treatment.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Following the merger, Robert Truckenmiller will serve as CEO of the combined company, while Scott Dulitz, CEO of Mercalis, will assume the role of President. This leadership structure ensures a seamless transition and capitalizes on the collective expertise of both organizations.
“This merger marks an exciting milestone for Mercalis and our team as we continue our journey of transformative growth and innovation alongside PharmaCord,” said Dulitz. “Mercalis and PharmaCord share a noble mission—to enhance the lives of the patients we serve. By joining forces, we are strengthening our ability to provide seamless, fully integrated commercialization support for our life science customers and their patients.”
The transaction is supported by private equity firm Permira, which will hold the majority ownership in the newly formed company. Permira, known for investing in high-growth healthcare and technology companies, sees this merger as an opportunity to drive greater innovation and efficiency in the biopharmaceutical commercialization landscape.
“The combination of PharmaCord and Mercalis will form one of the largest independent patient access companies in the market, delivering the full breadth of solutions with greater reach and efficiency,” said Jon Maschmeyer, Partner at Permira and member of PharmaCord’s Board of Directors. “With our support, the combined company will have the resources to continue innovating and catering to the evolving needs of patients and biopharmaceutical companies. We look forward to the opportunity to raise the bar for patient access and drive the industry forward.”
Odyssey Investment Partners, the firm behind Mercalis, also expressed enthusiasm for the merger. “The combination with PharmaCord is an attractive opportunity to create a comprehensive solutions provider serving the biopharmaceutical industry,” said Jeffrey McKibben, Senior Managing Principal at Odyssey. “We are grateful to Scott Dulitz and the Mercalis team for our successful partnership and excited for what they will accomplish together with PharmaCord in the future.”
Regulatory Approvals and Closing Timeline
The transaction is expected to close by the third quarter of 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Legal and financial advisory firms have played a key role in structuring this complex transaction. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal counsel, while Jefferies LLC and Leerink Partners acted as financial advisors to PharmaCord. Latham & Watkins LLP provided legal counsel to Odyssey and Mercalis, with Harris Williams serving as their financial advisor.
The Future of Biopharmaceutical Commercialization
This merger signals a significant shift in the biopharmaceutical industry, as companies seek more integrated and technology-driven solutions to address market complexities. The new entity’s ability to combine data-driven insights with patient-centered services positions it as a trailblazer in improving healthcare access and affordability.
With an expanded workforce of nearly 3,000 employees and an extensive portfolio of client partnerships, the merged company is well-positioned to accelerate innovation and optimize patient outcomes across the healthcare ecosystem. The combined expertise of PharmaCord and Mercalis will drive efficiencies in drug commercialization, reduce administrative hurdles for healthcare providers, and ultimately lead to better experiences for patients managing complex medical conditions.
As the industry continues to evolve, the newly formed organization is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of patient access and pharmaceutical commercialization. With a shared vision for advancing healthcare solutions, PharmaCord and Mercalis are ready to embark on their next phase of growth, delivering lasting impact for patients, healthcare providers, and biopharmaceutical companies alike.
