Australia, 19 February 2026 –Southern Star Research (SSR), a leading Australian-based contract research organization (CRO), and Expecto Health Science, a Singapore-headquartered, Asia-focused CRO, today announced a strategic investment-driven partnership.

This partnership underscores both companies’ shared commitment to delivering best-in-class clinical research services and expanding into high-value global markets.

The addition of Expecto Health Science to Southern Star Research’s offering will significantly extend SSR’s footprint across Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging Expecto’s expertise, networks, and later-phase experience, the partnership will enhance support for sponsors conducting studies across diverse markets.

Under this unified approach, Expecto Health Science will benefit from Southern Star Research’s extensive early-phase capabilities—an area in which both Australia and SSR are internationally recognized. In turn, Expecto’s global clients will gain access to Australia’s efficient, high-quality clinical trial ecosystem.

The investment will also enable Southern Star Research to “follow the molecule” into later-phase studies in Asia, where access to larger and more diverse patient populations presents significant value for sponsors.

Southern Star Research CEO, Lloyd Prescott, said:

“This is a step-change moment for our two businesses, providing sponsors with the agile and focused CRO partner they have been missing in the Asia-Pacific region and further defining our place in the global CRO landscape.

By aligning our teams and capabilities, we’re strengthening our ability to support sponsors throughout their development journey while expanding Southern Star Research’s presence across Asia and the Pacific.

This investment and partnership reflect a strong strategic and cultural alignment. Both businesses share the same core values—scientific rigor, operational excellence, and a focus on accelerating clinical development.”

Expecto Health Science CEO, Pramod Kashid, added:

“We’ve identified a genuine partner in Southern Star Research, and we’re excited about the journey ahead and what it means for our clients and sponsors.

Southern Star Research has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality clinical trials across all markets it operates in, with deep therapeutic expertise and a sponsor-centric approach.”

On management continuity and immediate growth plans, Mr. Prescott said:

“We see this as a natural evolution from long-time collaborators to partners. Pramod and Dr. David Lloyd, our founder, former CEO, and current board director, built businesses with similar cultures and ambitions. I’m looking forward to working closely with Pramod and his team as we accelerate our growth.”

Following completion, the combined entity will employ close to 200 staff across seven countries, with significant growth in revenue and headcount expected throughout Asia over the next 12 months. The unified organization will operate clinical teams across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The partnership will take effect in February 2026. Clients and partners can expect full continuity of service, along with the added benefits of broader expertise, deeper regional reach, and enhanced end-to-end capabilities.

Further updates will be shared as integration progresses.

About Southern Star Research

Southern Star Research is a full-service clinical research organization headquartered in Australia. The company guides biotech sponsors through complex early-phase clinical trials globally, with a focus on quality, collaboration, and scientific excellence across a broad range of therapeutic areas and study phases.

About Expecto Health Science

Expecto Health Science is a Singapore-headquartered, Asia-focused clinical research organization (CRO) supporting biotech companies with end-to-end clinical trial execution across Asia, particularly in emerging and high-growth markets.