The JDRF claims to be the only charity with the primary objective of finding the cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications. In this capacity it provided more than 1,000 grants worth a total of $156m in 22 countries last year.
PPD’s involvement will see the contract research organisation (CRO) review clinical development proposals, collaborate with JDRF-funded investigators to optimise clinical trial designs and help perform aspects of these trials.
Paul Strumph, chief medical officer at JDRF, said: "PPD's strong expertise in diabetes therapies, biologics and devices, as well as its experience in managing and monitoring clinical trials, will help us shorten research delays that often occur between preclinical and clinical testing.
“Working jointly with PPD, we will further expand our clinical development initiatives as we accelerate the pace of science leading to a cure for diabetes and its complications."
Since being founded in 1970 JDRF has funded more than $1.3bn of diabetes research, with PPD being involved with the charity Walk to Cure Diabetes and Hope Gala fundraising initiatives for several years.
PPD’s involvement with the charity has now taken on a more scientific slant, with its executive medical director, Lisa Hornick, and vice president of development, Randy Anderson, playing an increasing role in JDRF’s medical and scientific activities.
In addition, Karla Jacobus, PPD’s director of product development, will be responsible for various logistical activities at JDRF.
The charity is hoping that PPD’s knowledge of diabetes research and experience in moving products through early clinical stages while reducing development timelines will help it further its goals.
InnoPharm acquisition complete
PPD has completed the acquisition of Russian CRO InnoPharm, which will give the company access to the increasingly important Eastern European market.
InnoPharm has offices in Kiev, Ukraine, as well as sites in Moscow and St Petersburg, Russia, which will provide PPD with a base in the Eastern European market.
InnoPharm has worked as a subcontractor for PPD since 2004, offering Phase II-IV clinical trials, data management and biostatistics services.
Fred Eshelman, PPD's CEO, has spoken of the need to “put the accelerator down in Russia” to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the large population. In particular Eshelman singled out oncology as an area PPD would be targeting.