Building on initial discussions, both parties recently signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on clinical trials.
To launch the new working relationships Ecron Acunova has contracted a first clinical research study at Newcastle University.
Launch-pad
The company plans to expand its operations in the UK and reports that it views the new partnership as a good launch-pad to achieve this goal.
With European headquarters in Frankfurt, Ecron Acunova provides services for phase I - IV clinical research, including clinical trial management, clinical data management, PK/PD services and central lab for pharmaceutical, biotech, nutritional, medical diagnostic and device sponsors.
Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, an association of research-intensive UK universities.
Meanwhile last month, Ecron Acunova forged a partnership with Chulalongkorn University, Thailand to under take contract research.
Expand medical research
“The partnership will expand medical research work in Thailand while creating new knowledge and academic work and developing the university's personnel and Thai research work system,” said Prof Kua Wongbunsin, the rector for research operations.
The newly Chula Clinical Research Centre will take on research work assigned to it by Ecron Acunova. A particular focus will be research in Southeast Asian countries.
Speaking last month, DA Prasanna, founder of Ecron Acunova CRO, said Southeast Asia was an important market for CRO, especially after leading pharmaceutical firms included the region in their areas of interest for medicine development.
Thailand stood out in a Princeton University study for CRO work among many countries including Malaysia and Singapore, he said.