Celerion, a provider of innovative early stage drug development solutions based in Lincoln, Neb., has been awarded full accreditation by the Association for the Accreditation Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), an independent, non-profit accrediting body. Celerion's clinical facilities in Lincoln, Neptune, N.J. and Phoenix, Ariz., have achieved the milestone.

"The approval of AAHRPP certification continues to demonstrate the leadership role Celerion has taken to reach the highest standards and protections for human participants. By voluntarily undergoing the accreditation process, Celerion has committed to participants in our clinical studies that rigorous standards will be applied to ensure their safety and rights are strictly adhered to," said Susan Thornton, president and CEO of Celerion. "This accreditation also highlights our commitment to increased quality and transparency in conducting ethically sound research for our clients."

AAHRPP uses a voluntary, peer-driven, educational model to ensure that Human Research Protection Programs (HRPPs) meet rigorous standards for quality and protection. To earn accreditation, organizations must provide tangible evidence—through policies, procedures, and practices—of their commitment to scientifically and ethically sound research and to continuous improvement.

To meet the full requirements for AAHRPP accreditation, Celerion reviewed all internal procedures and processes to ensure extensive safeguards were in place at every level of clinical research. Throughout the organization, teams evaluated their respective areas of responsibility and reviewed policies, processes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This ensured the highest levels of standards were adhered to, well documented and even more critical, translated into practice.

"I am pleased that Celerion is setting an example and raising the bar for research protections among CROs,” said Marjorie A. Speers, president and CEO of AAHRPP. “With AAHRPP accreditation, Celerion now offers a level of quality assurance that distinguishes it among CROs and boosts its appeal to research clients. Our hope is that Celerion's decision has a ripple effect across the research enterprise and that other CROs follow its lead."

This accreditation places Celerion alongside a leading pharmaceutical company, as well as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), universities and hospitals to ensure collaboration on the highest standards in clinical research.