2013 summit press release 5/16
TRANSCRIPT
For Immediate Release Media Contact: General Information: Brittany Hutt Caryn Laermer Director of Marketing Communications Senior Manager, Quality Consortium [email protected] [email protected] 610-212-1230 609.799.0511
The Avoca Group Holds Quality Summit to Help the Industry Strike the Right Balance Between Time, Cost, and Quality
Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Clinical Research Provider Executives Meet to Create Efficiencies and Increase Quality in Clinical Trials.
PRINCETON, NJ (May 16, 2013) – The Avoca Group, industry-‐leading consulting and research organization specializing in clinical outsourcing and alliance management, conducted its second annual Avoca Quality Consortium Summit May 8 and 9 in Princeton, NJ. Last year, Avoca formed the industry-‐wide Avoca Quality Consortium which brings together quality, outsourcing and operational professionals from Member pharma, biotech and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to accelerate the development of a best practice approach to quality management and oversight of outsourced clinical research.
The Avoca Quality Consortium Summit engaged more than a hundred senior executives from the full spectrum of large to small pharmaceutical companies and leading clinical service providers in discussions on provocative topics concerning effective clinical trial oversight, risk assessment and risk management, change management, and creating a culture of quality.
The consensus was clear: The industry needs to move towards a more proactive approach to quality management and risk management. While there is no “one-‐size fits all” formula that can be applied to all organizations, the Consortium has been able to bridge gaps and develop mutually agreed upon standards of quality that have a built-‐in flexibility with tailored modules that companies can adapt and implement to meet their organization’s needs and pave the way for improved outcomes.
This year, The Avoca Quality Consortium, which now consists of more than 30 sponsor and CRO Member companies, is focusing on creating specific guidelines and tools for proactive quality management and effective oversight. In addition, the Consortium has conducted an assessment on Member company approaches to risk assessment, management and sharing in
outsourced clinical trials. Avoca is collaborating with the Metrics Champion Consortium and participates in ongoing discussions in other industry consortia, such as CTTI and Transcelerate, to ensure no duplication of efforts.
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“Providing insights, standards and tools for proactive quality management and effective oversight will have a significant, positive impact on the industry in terms of ensuring efficiency while focusing on maintaining high quality,” said Patricia Leuchten, CEO of The Avoca Group. “We are encouraged by the level of commitment and interest by our members and I’m pleased that Avoca can serve as a catalyst for change and provide the venue for bringing sponsors and CROs together to discuss this important topic of quality in clinical trials.”
To inquire about membership in the Quality Consortium, please contact Danya Burakoff 619-‐994-‐8677 or visit the Avoca Quality Summit website at http://theavocagroup.com/QualityConsortium
About The Avoca Group The Avoca Group is an industry-leading organization providing survey research, consulting services and training in the areas of clinical outsourcing, business development, strategic alliances and client service. Founded by industry veteran Patricia Leuchten in 1999, the company works exclusively in the health care industry and has a focus on relationship management.
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