Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD), a global CRO based in Wilmington, N.C., and ERT, a Philadelphia, Pa.-based provider of patient safety and efficacy data collection solutions, have partnered to facilitate delivery of ERT’s comprehensive solutions for patient safety and efficacy endpoint data collection to help biopharmaceutical clients conduct clinical trials in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

PPD and ERT will work closely throughout all areas of the clinical development process to offer clients efficiencies through alignment of crucial aspects of service delivery, including budget and proposal development, study startup, data management and invoicing.

“ERT’s advanced technology in centralized cardiac safety, respiratory services and clinical outcome assessments (COA) complements PPD’s robust client offerings across our phase I-IV clinical trials business,” said Paul Colvin, PPD’s executive vice president of clinical development. “ERT has an exemplary reputation in providing these services, and this partnership enhances PPD’s development capabilities across all therapeutic areas, with distinct advantages for respiratory, cardiovascular and late phase trials.”

The agreement with ERT expands PPD's ability to provide high-quality, integrated resources spanning the drug development continuum—from early phase studies through regulatory approval. PPD's operational expertise and global footprint offer ERT an opportunity to expand its reach and provide increased efficiencies in clinical trial deployment as it grows its customer base.