Jorge G. Guerra, M.D., has joined TrialNetworks as chairman of the advisory board. The TrialNetworks platform, which began as an innovative site engagement and communication portal, has rapidly grown into a comprehensive cloud-based solution for key aspects of a clinical trial from startup through closeout, including feasibility surveys, training, trial conduct efficiency, patient recruitment and retention, site activation and document management.

Guerra will identify additional opportunities where the TrialNetworks platform can add real value within a clinical program by reducing timelines, improving quality and enabling collaboration between sponsors, sites, CROs and vendors.

During his research and business career spanning three decades in leadership roles at global biopharmaceutical companies (and current TrialNetworks customers) Merck and Biogen Idec, Guerra became experienced in core processes and activities such as clinical trial management, sponsor-site relationships, data management, medical writing, business and contract management and operational excellence.

Previously, Guerra was vice president, clinical research operations—global trial management at Merck. As senior vice president, global clinical development operations at Biogen Idec, Guerra was responsible for clinical trial management, clinical data management, clinical business operations, medical writing, country management and field operations, operational excellence and Asia-Pacific strategy. He managed six simultaneous pivotal programs, four of which ended in regulatory filings, and successful FDA sponsor and site inspections.

Guerra will chair an advisory board that also includes pharmaceutical and technology experts Paul Bleicher, M.D., Ph.D., CEO at Optum Labs; Ari Buchler, general counsel and vice president, corporate development at Sophos; Esther Dyson, chairman at EDventure and HICCup; Elliot Ehrich, M.D., senior vice president, R&D and chief medical officer at Alkermes; and Ramy Mahmoud, M.D., MPH, president and chief executive officer at OptiNose.