Aspire IRB, Independent Review Board Announces Record Growth, New Web Portal and Accreditation Application

For Immediate Release: July 28, 2008

Aspire IRB, Independent Review Board Is Breaking New Ground Overseeing Clinical Research Trials-- Announces Record Growth, Accreditation Application and New Web Portal

San Diego, CA -- Aspire IRB announces record growth for the third consecutive year. Sales have tripled since their first year and have consecutively grossed seven figures annually.  2008 is a very exciting year for Aspire IRB, a women owned independent review board overseeing clinical research trials protecting the rights of human participants. As they enter their fifth year in business Aspire IRB has launched their new branding strategy focusing on their commitment to excellence and integrity within the research field and the protection of human participants.

To demonstrate it’s commitment to the protection of human research participants, Aspire IRB has applied for accreditation from The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP). “They promote the highest quality research through an accreditation process that helps organizations worldwide strengthen their human research protection programs”.  “We are dedicated to being the best independent review board and being certified helps us achieve that,” explains CEO, Aspire IRB Cathryn Taub.

Aspire IRB has re-designed their web site setting new standards for the research industry. They have created and launched “A.S.A.P.” Aspire’s Simple Automated Portal.  This portal allows clients to securely access the web site 24 hours a day 7 days a week to view the latest information regarding their clinical research studies. A.S.A.P. also offers clients an efficient way to access approval documents at any time. “Our goal is to give our industry and clients the most effective technology to continue Aspire’s mission of being responsive to our clients needs helping them provide research of the highest standards,” explains Alycia Huston, COO, Aspire IRB Cathryn Taub.

Aspire IRB has become very successful forging new paths in clinical research since it’s inception in 2004. They were the IRB of record for the first Micro dosing or Phase 0 study. This gives biopharmaceutical sponsors the opportunity to obtain early human pharmacokinetic (PK) data on drug candidates more accurately and faster than traditional Phase I Studies. Aspire IRB’s reputation and dedication to building relationships being innovative and flexible in the research industry has been instrumental to their sales and growth.  During their inception they have overseen over 1000 phase 0-IV clinical trials including: Diabetes, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis ALS, Sleep Disorders, Stress, Depression, Obesity, Heart and Alzheimer’s disease.

Aspire IRB was created in 2004, by four women with over thirty years experience in the growing field of Independent Review Boards (IRBs). Cathryn Taub, CEO, Alycia Huston, COO, Charlotte Stewart, VP and Michele Baptista, VP worked together and after a meeting of the minds decided their blend of expertise was perfect for starting their own IRB organization. These women created an IRB that was dedicated to setting new standards, daring to be innovative and more responsive in an industry where time is crucial. In addition, they wanted to create a culture that embraced and motivated their employees in a team-oriented environment.  Aspire IRB is completing their new branding campaign including:  an empowering new logo, marketing and press materials and a very efficient and innovative website featuring a portal and educational blogs will be launched summer 2008.

Aspire IRB has also consecutively been recognized throughout the community.  In 2008, they received the prestigious USCD (Uni Athena Pinnacle Awards Nomination recognizing skilled and talented women who have had a significant impact within the San Diego technology, life science and healthcare sector. Aspire CEO, Cathryn Taub was featured in “BizSan Diego” as one of San Diego’s Powerful Women in Business. She is also President Elect for the San Diego Chapter of The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) as well as being featured on George Chamberlin’s Money Matters NBC 7-39 and KUSI. C.O.O, Alycia Huston was featured on the Hewlett Packard Panel featuring successful women’s business owners. She is also Vice President Elect for San Diego Chapter of NAWBO.

About ASPIRE IRB, LLC.  www.aspire-irb.com Aspire IRB is a privately owned and certified Women’s Business Enterprise headquartered in San Diego, CA. Aspire IRB is responsible for overseeing clinical research studies. Aspire reviews, approves and monitors any research involving human participants with the aim to protect their rights and welfare. An IRB reviews research to make sure that it is well-designed and the risks are as minimal as possible.  The FDA and HHS regulations have empowered IRBs to approve, require modifications, or disapprove research.  The board is made up of physicians, scientists, non scientists, community members and members affiliated with Aspire IRB.  Clients include: Pfizer, Quintiles, CCT, Merck, Covance, Takeda, Sanofi-Aventis, Wyeth, Charles River, MRA and J&J.