WCG launches COVID-19 clinical research webinars

24-Mar-2020 - Last updated on 24-Mar-2020 at 16:25 GMT

(Image: Getty/Ca-ssis)

The informational series, featuring guest panelists and company leaders, will focus on best practices in the face of the pandemic.

WCG is kicking off the series of webinars in an effort to keep clinical research teams apprised of developments and issues impacting their field during the coronavirus pandemic. Entitled "The WCG Insights Program: Supporting best practices in a global pandemic," the initiative will share useful, timely information to help industry professionals sort out the the impacts of COVID-19 on clinical trials.

Industry experts

Each week, the company will present a different webinar topic relevant to the virus and how it is impacting the industry. The programs presented will feature a rotating roster of speakers with knowledge in the field.

According to Donald Deieso, executive chairman and CEO of WCG, the series comes out of a need for information and advice during this time of crisis. He said the company has been contacted by a number of professionals for guidance and perspectives.

“We consider it a duty and a privilege to offer our guidance and support to share the best practices that will shape this era of discovery,” he said. “This is the time for all of us who are part of the global research community to share advice on how best to conduct clinical research during this pandemic, so no one feels like they are making decisions alone."

WCG chief medical officer Lindsay McNair said positive response to company’s previous COVID-19 webinars helped inspired the creation of an ongoing series.

"After the overwhelming demand and positive feedback to our last two webinars: 'COVID-19 Preparedness: Information from the Experts' and 'Clinical Trials in the Era of COVID-19,' we recognized the immediate need to share our team's clinical research and institutional review board (IRB) expertise relating to COVID-19," she said.

Exchanging information

Nicholas Slack, WCG chief commercial officer, said the webinar series provides the industry with a forum where peers can exchange information and address issues of concern during the pandemic.

“In this time of crisis, we recognize that our industry is more powerful if we all band together than if we approach this trying situation alone,” he said. “We are committed to doing our part for our research partners and trial participants by surfacing and disseminating critical information and ideas."

Held each Wednesday starting March 25, the weekly webinars will be moderated by McNair. In addition to the online presentations, the company said it will offer additional pandemic-related resources to clinical trial professionals in upcoming weeks.