Brussels, Belgium-based UCB has entered into strategic partnerships with Parexel and PRA to drive UCB’s operational clinical development activities. The agreements are effective for all of UCB’s new clinical study programs on a global basis.

"Our strategic partnerships with Parexel and PRA will improve efficiency and cost effectiveness, as well as increase opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and the continuous improvement of quality and services – helping us to deliver new medicines to patients worldwide. By putting these new arrangements in place, Parexel and PRA essentially become integrated members of our study teams," said Iris Loew-Friedrich, executive vice president and chief medical officer of UCB.

"Through the partnership, UCB will receive the benefits of Parexel’s proven clinical processes through all phases of development, which are supported by its market-leading eClinical technology platform. UCB will also leverage Parexel’s consulting expertise in regulatory affairs and commercialization," said Josef von Rickenbach, chairman and CEO of Parexel International.

 "Working as an extension of UCB’s development team, we have the opportunity to execute trials in an innovative and transformational way. While our medical expertise includes significant experience in CNS indications, we also provide a full suite of services for clinical studies across all phases and therapeutic areas. With eClinical solutions, advanced technological tools and finely tuned systems we can achieve seamless delivery and operational transparency throughout our organization,"  noted Colin Shannon, president and CEO of PRA.