Pfizer has added three sites run by UK-headquartered clinical research organisation (CRO) Synexus to the global network of facilities it uses for outsourced clinical research.
The pharma company’s INSPIRE (Investigator Networks, Site Partnerships and Infrastructure for Research Excellence) sites are given early access to Pfizer‘s portfolio data and advanced information regarding the clinical trials to be sponsored by the company.
Tebogo Sebata,investigator site development and support lead at Pfizer, said: “We are really delighted that we have been able to identify these sites and add them to our INSPIRE network.
“We put in place the INSPIRE programme so that we can work with the best sites across the world. Centres which have real expertise in the science of clinical trials, the infrastructure support that is necessary, proven recruitment strategies and the in depth knowledge can help us maximise our development programmes going forward.”
INSPIRE membership will also see the sites involved in scientific journal publications, protocol design, advisory boards and the sharing of best practice across the INSPIRE network.
Dr Sanet Aspinall, managing director of Synexus South Africa, said: “We have had to go through an exhaustive assessment programme which looked at our previous experience, expertise across a range of therapeutic areas, infrastructure and resources and effective recruitment strategies.
“This is not only excellent for our company but for South Africa as it shows that it is a very good place in which to carry out clinical trials.”
The three clinical research centres, known as Stanza, Watermeyer and Nyeleti, are located in and around Pretoria, and encompass central operations, phase II to III trials and patient outreach.
They join Synexus’ Wroclaw site in Poland, which is already an INSPIRE member.