US site network Axsendo Clinical Research has opened a drug trial facility in Houston, Texas, citing a desire to recruit patients from groups underrepresented in studies as the motivation.
The new facility – details of which were unveiled last week – is designed to help the clinical research organization (CRO) access the estimated 500,000 potential study participants it says are present in the south Texas market.
In a press statement the firm said, “This state-of-the-art research facility opened in July and will serve as the central hub, supporting satellite locations throughout Houston in partnership with local physicians and practices.”
This was echoed by Dominic Doenges, Axsendo Clinical’s SVP of Strategic Partnerships, who said “As an international healthcare and research destination, Houston was a natural choice for launching our hub-and-spoke site network.
“Alongside the top physicians in their specialties, our goal is to integrate ourselves within the community, engaging with and creating a premium research experience for a patient population that doesn’t normally get to participate.”
Physician and principal investigator Aramis Cosme, who will head up drug research operations at the new facility, also cited improving diversity in drug research as a goal for the firm.
“I am delighted to join Axsendo Clinical at such an exciting time in the company's growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team to further our mission of advancing medical research and delivering innovative treatments to the diverse communities we serve across Houston.”
Growth plan
The firm also said it plans to go on a hiring spree and seek investigators specializing in cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, pulmonology and family medicine.
Axsendo Clinical Research – which was established in January - aims to bring together physician investigators, sponsors, and CROs to accelerate the development of drug therapies and medical devices.
According to its website at present Axsendo currently operates a research facility in Phoenix, Arizona and lists sites in Denver, South Carolina, California, Nevada New Mexico, Georgia and Oregon as “coming soon.”
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