The IMA Group (IMA), a leading national provider of medical and psychological evaluations and clinical research services, has announced the acquisition of Chicago Research Center (CRC), an independent, Chicago-based clinical research site with a strong reputation in central nervous system (CNS) and sleep research. This strategic acquisition expands IMA Clinical Research’s national network and marks its entry into the growing field of sleep medicine.
With this move, IMA continues to strengthen its position as a major player in Phase II–IV clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including CNS disorders, psychiatry, metabolic diseases, and general medicine. The acquisition of CRC further reinforces IMA’s commitment to broadening patient access, enhancing trial diversity, and accelerating clinical development timelines across the U.S.
Chicago Research Center: A Leader in CNS and Sleep Research
Founded in 2005, the Chicago Research Center has established itself as one of the Midwest’s most respected independent research organizations, conducting more than 125 studies in CNS, mood, and sleep disorders. The center’s 8,000-square-foot facility, located northwest of downtown Chicago, includes a six-bed, state-of-the-art sleep laboratory specifically designed for clinical studies in insomnia, apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and shift work sleep disorder.
The organization has built a robust database of over 50,000 patients, enabling rapid participant recruitment and retention for complex, time-sensitive studies. Its trials span Phases I through IV, with a special emphasis on mental health, pain management, and general medicine — areas that continue to represent significant unmet medical needs.
Under the continued leadership of Stacy Malm, MS, LCPC, who serves as President and CEO, CRC will maintain its current name, operations, and experienced research team. Malm and her staff bring decades of combined expertise in clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and patient care — assets that align seamlessly with IMA’s mission and operational standards.
“For more than 20 years, CRC has advanced research in areas that matter most to patients — including CNS disorders, mental health, and sleep,” said Malm. “Joining IMA allows us to expand our reach, accelerate study timelines, and ultimately improve access to innovative treatments for patients in Chicago and beyond.”
Strengthening IMA’s National Network and Research Capabilities
The acquisition of CRC represents IMA Clinical Research’s first dedicated entry into sleep research, a field that continues to grow rapidly amid rising rates of sleep-related health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 35% of U.S. adults report sleeping less than seven hours per night — a threshold considered below the minimum recommended duration for optimal health. Chronic sleep deprivation and disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disturbances have been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
By integrating CRC’s specialized infrastructure and expertise, IMA is positioning itself to contribute meaningfully to advancing sleep medicine research. The move reflects not only a response to a major public health concern but also a strategic effort to align IMA’s capabilities with emerging therapeutic priorities and sponsor demand.
“CRC’s deep expertise in sleep, CNS, and other vital research areas is an ideal complement to our growing national platform,” said Mark Weinberger, PhD, MPH, President and CEO of The IMA Group. “By adding a respected and long-standing partner in Chicago, we’re able to expand trial capacity and diversity, strengthen our sponsor relationships, and contribute to areas of urgent need like sleep apnea and mental health.”
A Strategic Expansion Across the U.S.
This acquisition marks IMA’s ninth Clinical Research acquisition in the past four years and its sixth dedicated CNS research site, joining existing locations in New York City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and other key metropolitan markets. Each site within IMA’s expanding network brings unique expertise and regional diversity, ensuring broad access to patient populations that reflect real-world demographics — a critical factor in clinical trial success and regulatory approval.
IMA Clinical Research operates a flexible, full-service platform capable of supporting site-based, hybrid, and fully decentralized trial models, giving sponsors and CROs the ability to design and execute studies tailored to specific needs. This adaptability allows IMA to efficiently connect with diverse patient populations across more than 150 accessible sites nationwide, optimizing both trial performance and patient experience.
Beyond CNS and sleep, IMA conducts clinical research in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, and vaccines — areas where innovative treatments and preventive strategies continue to be urgently needed.
Enhancing Patient Access and Innovation
The addition of CRC underscores IMA’s continued mission to advance healthcare innovation while improving patient accessibility. Clinical trials often face challenges in recruitment, diversity, and geographic reach. By strategically partnering with established, trusted research organizations like CRC, IMA is helping to address these gaps and deliver trials that are both scientifically rigorous and community-centered.
The integration of CRC’s operations will allow IMA to:
- Increase patient enrollment capacity in CNS and sleep studies.
- Offer expanded training and operational support for early-phase and late-stage trials.
- Enhance collaboration opportunities with biopharmaceutical sponsors.
- Leverage advanced data analytics to optimize trial efficiency and outcomes.
Through this approach, IMA continues to drive innovation and ensure that more patients have the opportunity to participate in research close to where they live and work.
Backing from Centre Partners
IMA’s continued growth and acquisition strategy are supported by Centre Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm that focuses on healthcare, consumer, and commercial services sectors. Centre Partners’ investment has enabled IMA to pursue its strategic expansion into high-growth therapeutic areas and strengthen its national research infrastructure.
With this latest addition, IMA reaffirms its position as a leading force in the evolution of clinical research networks — one that combines scientific excellence, operational scalability, and patient-centered care.
