PPD and Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin Announce Strategic Collaboration to Expand Clinical Research in Germany

Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (PPD) and the Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin today announced a new collaboration between the company and the hospital’s clinical trials management unit (CTMU) to increase the volume of clinical trials conducted in Germany, improve access to commercial clinical research for patients, accelerate the development of new medicines and enhance health care treatment opportunities for German citizens.

The collaboration builds upon the long-standing relationship between PPD and the Charité, one of the largest and most well-respected university hospitals in Europe. With 13,200 employees, the hospital maintains more than 100 clinics and institutes within 17 CharitéCenters at its four campuses.

“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,” said Roger Newbery, PPD’s vice president of clinical management for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “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. Likewise, we are pleased to enhance our support for our clients in expanding their research programs in Germany and around the world.”

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

“By extending our relationship with PPD, our aim is to ensure improved access to novel medicines and advance our mission of securing lasting health improvements for our patients,” said Gerrit Fleige, executive director, finance and administration of the medical faculty of the Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin. “As one of the world’s leading contract research organizations, PPD is able to provide us with a wealth of capabilities and services. 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 agreement includes a wide range of Phase I-IV trials across multiple therapeutic areas. A substantial number of Germany’s 80.5 million citizens have participated in clinical trials, and the country has a significant share of diseases in the key therapeutic areas that are emphasized in clinical research.

With offices in Munich, Karlsruhe and Nuremberg, PPD’s team of more than 400 professionals in Germany offers expertise in biostatistics, clinical management, data management, pharmacovigilance, project management and quality assurance.

Key focus areas for the CTMU include hematology/oncology, cardiovascular, neurology, psychiatry, respiratory, rheumatology, anesthesia, dermatology, nephrology, urology and women's health.