UK-based contract research organization (CRO) Chiltern International is now a minority shareholder in San Francisco technology company endpoint Clinical, a company that provides integrated response technology (IRT) for clinical trials.

The ownership stake comes as part of a strategic partnership the companies have formed to mutually expand each other’s services.

“The investment means Chiltern and our clients have access to expanded options in the mission critical IRT arena,” said Chiltern CEO Glenn Kerkhof. “For endpoint, working closely with a globally recognized full service CRO adds value as they expand their market and continue to strategically grow their operation.”

Endpoint’s main product is the Pulse system, an IRT solution the company launched in January. Pulse enables users to design and implement an IRT accessible by phone, web or mobile device at a lower cost than other IRT solutions. The system allows customers to continually monitor study events through customizable reports, which can be accessed and updated via email, fax or text messaging.

“[endpoint’s] innovation and flexibility are revolutionizing delivery and speed of services related to randomization and drug distribution, which subsequently reduces the costs not only for the services themselves but of the overall drug development process,” Kerkhof said. “Traditional IxRS providers operate in a six- to eight-week time window for full deployment of a clinical study. Using endpoint's fully configurable technology reduces that timeline up to 40% and delivers the same study in less than 30 days.”

Chiltern would not discuss the specific terms of the agreement with endpoint but it is not exclusive. Kerkhof said Chiltern has worked with other IRT providers over the years and will continue to do so.

Chiltern has said it is committed to forming collaborations with companies to better serve their clients. Earlier this year, the CRO formed a partnership with Charles River Laboratories to conduct and support early-phase radio-labelled studies.

“Our goal is to continually enhance and expand the drug development services we provide to our clients. Flawless execution and integration of support services such as IVR/IWR  can greatly enhance a trial’s success,” Kerkhof said.

“We believe this investment represents Chiltern’s commitment to the future of clinical research, which, in turn, benefits our clients by giving them access to innovative solutions to improve quality and delivery as well as reduce cost,” Kerkhof said.