GSK named among winners of Eagle Award at this year's Site Solutions Summit

The awards recognise outstanding contributions to the advancement of the clinical research profession through strong research site partnerships.

Nearly 400 sites took part in a secret ballot to decide the winners based on those companies they had worked with over the last 18 months. Judging criteria included professionalism, partnership, efficiencies and financial considerations, with the three winning companies cited as being the 'most desirable to work with as a clinical research study partner'.

GSK scooped the 'Top Sponsor' award, with Medpace voted 'Top CRO' and Quorum Review IRB named 'Top IRB'.

In presenting the awards, founder of the Site Solutions Summit and president and CEO of RxTrials Institute, Christine Pierre, said: “Solid site partnerships are vital to maintaining quality and integrity in the clinical research process. ​

“Only in collaboration can we do our best. We all benefit from adhering to the highest standards as we conduct studies and bring medical advancements to benefit patients.”​

Humbled​

Lead clinical research associate for GSK, Lisa Sorrells, accepted the Eagle Award on behalf of GSK – the second such win for the UK pharma giant.

Commenting on the award, Craig Wozniak, head of the Americas region for GSK, said: “To be recognised by you, the site community, as the sponsor choice for the second time is indeed a great honour and one that we at GSK are humbled to receive.”​

Elsewhere, Susan Burwig, senior vice president of US-based Medpace, pointed to the quality of the company's clinical research associates as major contributing factor behind their award nomination.

“Medpace CRAs are therapeutically focused and therefore very knowledgeable about the indication, protocol design, and procedures for each study,”​ she said.“This enables the CRA to appropriately train and develop mutual respect with the site staff and provide the highest quality support and oversight for each site.”​

Speaking on behalf of Quorum Review IRB, CEO Cami Gearhart thanked the summit for the award, before explaining a little about the US-based company's philosophy.

“Quorum was founded on the notion that one organisation can provide both thorough ethics review and premier customer service.​

“We're pleased an honoured that the sites are experiencing and acknowledging Quorum’s efforts in this very important endeavour.”​

Industry leaders​

The Site Solutions summit is hosted annually by the RxTrials Institute and the Association of Clinical Research Organisations (ACRO) – which aims to provide a collective voice for the CRO sector. The annual event brings together leading names involved in the clinical research process, including site executives, sponsor representatives and other senior industry figures.