The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and the Avoca Group have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at driving quality, standardization and collaboration in clinical research.

The Avoca Group, whose clients include top five pharmaceutical companies and global contract research organizations (CROs), is a driving force behind the continuous improvement of outsourced clinical research and leader of the Avoca Quality Consortium™ (AQC).

The AQC brings together 70 pharma, biotech and clinical service companies that share a commitment to collaboratively improving the execution and management of outsourced clinical trials.

"This partnership brings together two of the leading organizations in clinical research with a shared commitment to driving standards and improved performance quality. We are excited to partner with The Avoca Group in support of our mission to promote excellence in clinical research," said Jim Kremidas, ACRP Executive Director. "ACRP is leading innovation in clinical research workforce development by setting standards for professional competence, and building and validating competence in the workforce. We believe working with The Avoca Group will enhance development and delivery of new therapies to patients."

"Investigational sites are a key stakeholder group in the clinical trial process, yet silos between sponsors, CROs, and sites exist which impacts the quality of clinical trials", said Patricia Leuchten, Founder and CEO, The Avoca Group. "We're excited for the opportunity to work closely with ACRP. The partnership is in keeping with our vision to improve industry collaboration in clinical research and in doing so, make a tangible difference in improving quality and driving efficiency in the clinical trial execution process."

Initiatives for 2018 include adaption of the AQC's quality oversight tools for use at the site and sharing site inspection case studies. The AQC provides members with over 300 leading practice tools, guidelines, and standards that deliver meaningful improvements to the speed, efficiency, and quality of clinical trial execution, plus the means to track and influence the development of innovative new approaches.

ACRP and The Avoca Group will also partner on a co-sponsored full-day program on April 27, 2018, in conjunction with ACRP 2018, the premier education and networking event for clinical research professionals. ACRP 2018 will be held April 27 – May 1, 2018, just outside Washington, DC at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.