BlueRidge Life Sciences acquires human factors specialist Design Science

BlueRidge Life Sciences, a Houston-based life sciences consulting firm, has acquired Design Science Group, a Philadelphia-based human factors engineering firm.

Founded in 1991, Design Science provides human factors engineering, usability testing, and use-related risk analysis for complex medical devices and combination products. The firm’s team of 50+ engineers, designers, psychologists, and researchers operate usability labs in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Munich, Germany.

“Human factors and usability engineering are increasingly critical to regulatory success, patient safety, and commercial adoption. Design Science brings exceptional talent, a strong culture, and a best-in-class scientific approach that complements our existing offerings and strengthens the value we deliver to clients,” said Ian Kelly, CEO of BlueRidge Life Sciences.

The acquisition will add human factors engineering capabilities to BlueRidge’s suite of commercialization, clinical development, and regulatory strategy consulting services.

Blue Ridge will maintain its branding and CEO Katie Hansbro will continue to lead the business alongside her leadership team.

“Joining BlueRidge is an exciting next chapter for Design Science,” said Hansbro. “Together, we will be able to offer more comprehensive solutions to life sciences innovators as products move from development through commercialization.”

BlueRidge is a portfolio company of Renovus Capital Partners, a Philadelphia-based private equity firm that acquired it in 2022.

BlueRidge has service offerings in device and combination products, food and consumer product safety, life science supply chain engineering, new approach methodologies, nonclinical safety, operation and environmental health, pharmaceutical commercialization, and therapeutic development.