PPD, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin to expand clinical research in Germany

The main aim of the deal is to increase the volume of clinical trials carried out in Germany, improve access to commercial clinical research for patients, accelerate the development of new medicines as well as improve health care treatment opportunities for German citizens.

The deal builds upon the long-standing relationship between PPD and the Charité, one of the largest university hospitals in Europe.

The hospital has about 13,200 employees and maintains over 100 clinics and institutes within 17 CharitéCenters at its four campuses.

PPD vice president of clinical management for Europe, Middle East and Africa Roger Newbery said Germany’s abundance of intellectual and technical resources, coupled with the ongoing advances that have streamlined the clinical research process, make the country extremely attractive for clinical research.

"We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with a world-class treatment facility that is one of our most experienced and most frequently used clinical research sites globally," Newbery said.

"Likewise, we are pleased to enhance our support for our clients in expanding their research programs in Germany and around the world."

Under the deal, PPD will collaborate with the CTMU to shorten study start-up times, increase the number of patients enrolled for clinical trials, generate continued high-quality data and ensure all site staff members are trained as necessary for the conduct of clinical studies.

The Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin executive director, finance and administration of the medical faculty Gerrit Fleige said by extending its relationship with PPD, its aim is to ensure improved access to novel medicines and advance our mission of securing lasting health improvements for its patients.

"As one of the world’s leading contract research organizations, PPD is able to provide us with a wealth of capabilities and services," Fleige said.

"For instance, this collaboration will further enhance the Charité’s reputation as a global center of excellence for clinical research through a first-class research site and a host of clinical investigators with expertise across a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas."

The deal includes a range of Phase I-IV trials across multiple therapeutic areas.

CTMU is mainly focused in areas including hematology/oncology, cardiovascular, neurology, psychiatry, respiratory, rheumatology, anesthesia, dermatology, nephrology, urology and women’s health.