ICON partners with BCRI for clinical research

ICON plc, (NASDAQ: ICLR; ISIN:IE0005711209), a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, today announced a strategic alliance with Boston Clinical Research Institute (BCRI), an Academic Research Organisation based in Boston, Massachusetts. The alliance will combine BCRI's respected leadership in clinical strategy, study planning and academic relationships with ICON's experience in the execution of global clinical trials.

BCRI provides scientific consultancy in study design using expert practising clinicians and key opinion leaders from premier medical institutions, and also maintains a network of global investigators in all of the medical specialties and subspecialties. BCRI also provides academic leadership for Steering Committees, Advisory Panel Participation, Endpoint Committees, Core Laboratory Services, and Data Safety and Monitoring Boards.

"We are extremely pleased to announce the partnership with ICON," commented Dr. Michael Gibson, Founder and Senior Consultant at BCRI. "We believe that the future of clinical research is collaboration between the ARO and the CRO. ICON clearly recognises the incremental benefits of collaboration with the thought leaders in the medical community to optimise study planning, execution, and credibility."

Commenting on the alliance, Peter Gray, CEO at ICON plc, said, "We are delighted that Dr. Gibson and BCRI have aligned with ICON. The relationship provides ICON and its clients access to a breadth of expertise in the key opinion leader community and to investigators worldwide, including national and international leaders. Anticipated benefits include enhanced planning, design, site selection and enrolment performance."

Jonathan Goldman MD FACC, Executive Vice President of Strategic Development at ICON Clinical Research, commented, "The relationship between BCRI and ICON further enhances our scientific expertise and access to investigators. We look forward to building on these relationships to enhance our feasibility services and to optimise the investment of our clients as a result of accelerated enrolment."