6 December 2019 - - US-based contract research organisation PPD, Inc. has expanded its early development research services by adding significant neuroscience and ethno-bridging expertise, broadening its capabilities to provide increased access to patients and special populations at PPD-owned clinical research units, the company said.

Enhancing its ability to conduct complex, procedurally intensive Phase I and Phase Ib early development clinical research in neurology, PPD has added a 52-bed CRU in Orlando, Florida.

The recently acquired unit has a strong track record of recruiting and conducting early phase trials in multiple neurological indications, such as Alzheimer's disease, which affects aging populations. The Orlando CRU has completed over 50 Phase I studies in Alzheimer's and other central nervous system/neurodegenerative therapeutic areas.

The Phase I unit consists of individual bedrooms for special patient populations, such as elderly Alzheimer's patients, that are private and quiet for both the patient and caregiver.

Additionally, PPD's Las Vegas CRU, a hospital-adjacent, 24-bed unit specialising in endocrinology and metabolic trials, has expanded its portfolio to include the conduct of Japanese ethno-bridging studies.

These studies allow biopharmaceutical companies to incorporate Asian patient data in parallel with western regions to initiate Phase III studies in Asian markets sooner.

PPD's Las Vegas CRU boasts an ethno-bridging-specific research wing, catering to Japanese volunteers who have been living in the United States for fewer than five years.

The unit provides a controlled environment that offers a culturally appropriate climate, diet and entertainment.

PPD provides comprehensive support for early phase trials, including project management, clinical monitoring, site management and data sciences. In addition to its CRUs in Orlando and Las Vegas, PPD conducts early-phase studies at its 185-bed clinic in Austin, Texas, for healthy volunteers.

PPD is a global contract research organisation providing comprehensive, integrated drug development, laboratory and lifecycle management services.

Its clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations.

With offices in 46 countries and approximately 23,000 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a firm commitment to quality to help clients and partners bend the cost and time curve of drug development and optimise value in delivering life-changing therapies to improve health.