The Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) and the ViS Research Institute have allied to protect research participants by providing easy access to information on the quality and standards of organizations that conduct clinical trials.

ViS has developed an online analytics platform to streamline the feasibility assessment of research sites. ViS profiles of research sites will now include information on whether the site has earned AAHRPP accreditation—an objective measure of research quality, ethics and protections.

“AAHRPP and ViS are streamlining the site selection process, making it easier for research sponsors and CROs to identify sites that have committed to high standards,” said Marjorie Speers, Ph.D., AAHRPP president and chief executive officer. “We are confident that, if information on quality is readily available, it will play a key role in decisions on where to conduct clinical trials.”

Research sites earn accreditation by demonstrating that their human research protection programs adhere to AAHRPP standards and by committing to continuous quality improvement. More than 180 organizations worldwide—including over 60% of U.S. research-intensive universities and U.S. teaching hospitals—are accredited. They represent over 600 research entities.

The alliance will increase visibility with research sponsors, CROs and other trial planners and reduce the time and costs of fulfilling multiple requests for information. Instead of responding separately to feasibility questionnaires, organizations can provide information online in a ViS profile.

“The alliance between ViS and AAHRPP will enhance the efficiency and quality of clinical trial planning,” said Fabio Thiers, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer of ViS, “and will contribute to improved research participant protection and to the accelerated development of needed medicines.”