Tempe, Ariz.-based Clinical Research Advantage (CRA), a community-based network of clinical trial sites, has entered into a strategic agreement  with CRO Quintiles to facilitate a higher level of clinical trial participation with an emphasis on safety, improved study efficiencies and quality data.

CRA, which operates 38 sites across 17 geographic markets, is the first therapeutically aligned network of family medicine community-based sites selected by Quintiles for a strategic alliance.

“The core value and principal purpose of Clinical Research Advantage is to improve the lives of patients through the development of new medical therapies,” said Mark S. Hanley, CRA’s CEO. “Working with Quintiles will allow CRA to conduct an increased number of community-based trials with unparalleled accuracy and safety.”

“Clinical Research Advantage impressed us with their high standards for quality, high patient enrollments and exceptional study start-up abilities,” said Lindy Jones, senior vice president, integrated site services for Quintiles. “Many chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are now managed in the community. It is imperative that these patient populations have the opportunity to participate in studies and be a part of the quest to develop new and better medicines for conditions that have a significant impact on both individuals and society.”

Founded in 1992, CRA is a trial management organization that has completed more than 1,800 clinical trials.