INC Research Expands Partnership with Society for Clinical Research Sites to Enhance Site Sustainability

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 22, 2016 – INC Research Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: INCR), a leading, global Phase I to IV contract research organization, today announced the expansion of its partnership with the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS), further demonstrating the Company’s continued commitment and leadership role in fostering strong site relationships globally. INC is the first organization to become a Circle of Innovation sponsor, a new level of commitment and the highest level of sponsorship aimed at increasing site support and site sustainability globally.  Under the expanded partnership agreement, INC will be a lead supporter of SCRS' new Ambassador Program, which aims to extend SCRS membership and support to sites globally through regional activity around the world.

"INC Research has continued to grow our relationship with SCRS because our two organizations are well aligned in our shared commitment to site sustainability and providing sites across the globe a stronger voice in the clinical development process,” said Clare Grace, PhD, Vice President, Site and Patient Access. "We are excited to be part of SCRS’ new Ambassador Program to expand vital support to even more sites around the world. Our initial focus will be on connecting with sites in the Asia/Pacific region. Through our participation, we can help facilitate better communication and work in a more collaborative way to address the unique needs and challenges these sites face, ultimately improving site support and sustainability.”

“The Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity for organizations to participate in an unprecedented experience supporting site development and sustainability at a local and regional level,” said Christine Pierre, President, SCRS. "INC Research has been very supportive of our mission and purpose to further expand our efforts globally. We’re excited to advance our partnership to the next level through the launch of this program and see INC as playing a pivotal role as we work to support site development and sustainability on a more global scale."

As a Circle of Innovation sponsor, INC Research initially will sponsor the Ambassador Program in Australia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Taiwan and the United Kingdom and will provide scholarships for membership in SCRS to sites new to SCRS in these regions. In addition the Company will expand its use of Site Advocacy Groups (SAGs) in 2016 to better incorporate the site voice in the conduct of clinical trials in fast-growing therapeutic areas representing significant patient need. These efforts will build on INC’s existing SAGs established in 2015 devoted to the scientific and operational aspects of psychiatry protocols and the streamlining and enhancing of the payment process for clinical research sites.  INC Research will continue as a Global Impact Partner to SCRS, serving on its Global Impact Board and Leadership Council and serving as a lead sponsor for its site solutions summit events focused on sharing best practice in clinical research.  

INC Research is focused on connecting customers, sites and patients to improve world health. Ranked the "Top CRO to Work with" among large global CROs in the 2015 CenterWatch Global Investigative Site Relationship Survey, the Company is committed to developing and nurturing deep site relationships that ensure rapid study start-up, smooth study conduct and consistently excellent results for its customers. The Company recently announced the launch of its Catalyst program to strengthen collaborations with clinical research sites worldwide, in turn enhancing patient focus and optimizing study delivery to drive improved predictability of clinical trials and reduce development timelines for biopharmaceutical customers. INC’s Catalyst program includes the Catalyst Site Network, a select group of high-performing sites strategically and therapeutically aligned both to its business and its customers, and the Catalyst Community, which is an online forum representing a broader range of sites to support ongoing communication on the conduct of clinical trials, wider adoption of new methodologies and the sharing of best practice. 

About SCRS

SCRS is a global trade organization founded in 2012, which represents over 2,600 research sites, in 42 countries. SCRS’ mission is to unify the voice of the global clinical research site community for greater site sustainability. SCRS has become an active partner in industry-wide initiatives and dialogues focused on improving the clinical research enterprise. Sites, as well as companies that sponsor or support the work conducted at clinical research sites, will benefit from membership and partnership. Visit MySCRS.org.

About INC Research

INC Research (Nasdaq:INCR) is a leading global contract research organization ("CRO") providing the full range of Phase I to Phase IV clinical development services for the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries.  Leveraging the breadth of our service offerings and the depth of our therapeutic expertise across multiple patient populations, INC Research connects customers, clinical research sites and patients to accelerate the delivery of new medicines to market.  The Company was named “Best Contract Research Organization” in December 2015 by an independent panel for Scrip Intelligence and ranked “Top CRO to Work With” among large global CROs in the 2015 CenterWatch Global Investigative Site Relationship Survey.  INC Research is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., with operations across six continents and experience spanning more than 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.incresearch.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter @inc_research