Covance Drug Development has relocated its clinical research unit (CRU) in Dallas to a new, fit-for-purpose clinical research facility. The new unit, which opened earlier this month, has expanded from 72 to 100 medical beds and is located in the same building as the prior unit. In addition, a LabCorp patient service center will be co-located in the CRU, at which patients will have an opportunity to learn more about volunteering and participating in early-stage clinical trials.

“Our new Dallas facility combines advanced medical care with numerous volunteer-friendly amenities,” said Dr. Herman Scholtz, vice president and general manager, Early Clinical Services. “We have invested in a highly customized facility designed to facilitate the safety and quality of our studies and to enhance our clients’ and volunteers’ experience. In addition, we are excited about the unique opportunity to educate patients about our clinical trials and complement our local patient recruitment capabilities through the future LabCorp patient service center. This innovative combination of resources is another illustration of the strategic and operational synergies that LabCorp and Covance are gaining through our combination.”

With more than 55,000 square feet of space, the new CRU includes a cGMP pharmacy, dedicated ophthalmology procedure rooms, an advanced telemetry system and a glucose clamp suite, as well as dedicated screening and outpatient visit areas. The pharmacy includes three sterile and two non-sterile manufacturing suites, which allows the site to meet current Good Manufacturing Practices. The telemetry system enables the team to perform continuous, high-quality data monitoring, supporting improved monitoring of study participants and quick adjustments to treatment regimens, when necessary.

The Dallas clinic employs approximately 75 medical and professional staff, with plans to expand to 120 employees.

In addition to the Dallas clinic, Covance offers early-stage clinical testing at three other sites in the U.S. and one site in Leeds, U.K.