Under the agreement, Southern Research is expected to transfer its seasonal assays and reagents to PPD, strengthening PPD’s influenza vaccine testing services. In return, PPD will help build Southern Research’s preclinical influenza and clinical pandemic/highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) testing business through client referrals.
Christine Dingivan, chief medical officer of PPD, said: “This key collaboration enhances PPD’s position as the first CRO to offer a comprehensive menu of vaccine assay development and testing services to support vaccine clinical trials with faster, more cost-efficient laboratory solutions.
“Our agreement with Southern Research further expands our large collection of commercial vaccine assays with very important capabilities in the influenza vaccine field and enables us to expand our partnerships with influenza vaccine developers in the commercial, government and nonprofit sectors.”
Nancy Gray, vice president of corporate development at Southern Research Institute, said: “By partnering with PPD, Southern Research has the opportunity to expand its client base for the well-recognised work our scientists perform in the influenza research field. By working closely with one of the clinical CROs, we can provide an unmatched breadth of influenza services to our clients. Together, we will offer a full spectrum of influenza research capabilities with highly respected bench to market support.”