The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has chosen global CRO Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD) as one of a select group to design and conduct clinical studies needed to develop medical countermeasures—drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tests—that help protect health against bioterrorism, pandemic influenza and other public health emergencies.

BARDA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), selected PPD as a contractor for the Medical Countermeasure Clinical Studies Network (MCM CSN). PPD will support BARDA and its development partners in planning, performing, monitoring and interpreting phase I-IV clinical studies. Services include performing clinical studies that are required by the FDA for the approval of a product for human use, comparing the properties of multiple products or evaluating the potency of products stored in U.S. government stockpiles.

“PPD’s inclusion in this vital network highlights our efforts to support government research and development programs through our robust, end-to-end clinical research services,” said Paul Colvin, PPD’s executive vice president of clinical development. “We are excited at the prospect of deploying our world-class scientific expertise, innovative solutions, cutting-edge technology, flexible resources and operational efficiencies to help protect public health and the nation’s health security.”

PPD’s contract with BARDA is an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreement for clinical study services, with a minimum period of performance of two years and maximum period of performance of five years.