Thanks to the expansion, which will include the addition of 10 physician leaders across the three countries, DaVita will be able to conduct late phase clinical trials outside of the US for the first time.
Amy Young, VP and general manager of DaVita Clinical Research, told Outsourcing-Pharma.com that the expansion in Europe will include renal and diabetes clinical trials.
"Combining extensive nephrology and clinical trial experience with knowledge of local differences in the practice of nephrology positions us as a valuable resource in drug development for chronic kidney disease management," Young added.
In addition to the new work in Europe, DaVita previously conducted Phase I clinical trials in the US since 1985, expanding its capabilities to include late phase clinical research, real-world health care data, health economics and outcomes research and medical communications. The company says it has helped to develop every end stage renal disease drug approved by the US FDA over the last 15 years.
“There is increasing demand for global clinical trials,” Young said. “The ability to provide access in many different countries via a central point of contact, like DaVita Clinical Research, is valuable and desirable for drug and device developers.”