WCG, a provider of solutions to improve the quality and efficiency of clinical research, has expanded its Phase I review services, providing purpose-built operations for Phase I investigators. Launched in conjunction with the opening of Dr. Vince Clinical Research’s (DVCR) research complex in Overland Park, KS, that selected WCG as their institutional review board (IRB) of record, these expanded services aim to provide faster timelines in the clinical trial process without sacrificing human subject protection for early stage and clinical pharmacology research.
 
“This expansion enables early phase research to complete in more predictable fashion and ensures participant protection through every stage of the study,” said Mark McDonald, president of WCG IRB. “Based on the high propensity for changes in first in human research, sponsors are adding cohorts and doses to study designs which often increases the need for additional amendments to the study protocol, ultimately contributing to the frequency of delays. Implementing customized operational teams that focus on providing efficient, high-quality processing services, speeding up the operations while maintaining focus on thorough board reviews, allows WCG IRB to fundamentally change the way Phase I research is executed.”
 
The new model provides dedicated operations to support accelerated processing of submissions in preparation for IRB review; a single point of contact available to address questions and help clients navigate the IRB process; timely review of IRB submission materials with a board that convenes daily and delivers predictable turnaround times for all study items.
 
Dr. Brad Vince, CEO and medical director of DVCR, has more than 20 years of experience in the clinical research industry and served as an investigator in over 600 clinical trials and authored numerous scientific publications.
 
“It’s our vision to create one of the most innovative and technologically advanced Phase I units in the world,” said Dr. Vince. “The ability to accelerate study timelines while maintaining the highest degree of study volunteer safety was the key factor in selecting WCG IRB, the largest and most trusted central IRB in the U.S., for our early phase clinical trials.”