CRO Julius Clinical sets up new operation in Poland

Netherlands-based CRO Julius Clinical has set up an operation in Poland, citing the country’s “exceptional potential” for drug studies as a motivation.

The new operation, located in the southern city Krakow, will enable more efficient patient recruitment and improved site selection, according to the firm.

CEO Martijn Wallert said: “We are strengthening our presence in Eastern Europe, making Poland a central hub for our regional operations and expanding our ability to support clinical research across neighbouring countries."

Radek Korba, who will manage Julius Clinical Poland, reiterated the country’s potential benefits as a base for trials, commenting, “Poland is a pivotal market in clinical research, and our local presence allows us to drive innovation while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

“We are excited to strengthen collaborations with investigators, healthcare institutions, and regulatory bodies to deliver impactful research,” he said.

Clinical trials in Poland

Julius Clinical’s comments aligns with analysis published in the Lancet earlier this year, which suggested the establishment of the Polish Medical Research Agency in 2019 was a pivotal moment.

According to the authors, “Throughout five years of its activities, the MRA successfully achieved significant milestones. The total number of signed cofinancing agreements [for noncommercial trials] reached 315, worth over $1.03 billion (PLN 4.3 billion), averaging $3.3 million (PLN 13.7 million) per project. These noncommercial clinical trials concentrate on three primary research areas: cardiovascular diseases, oncology and haematology, and neurology and psychiatry.

“As part of the signed agreements, over 51,000 patients, including more than 13,000 with rare diseases, will be enrolled in the studies. This data highlights the MRA’s significant contribution to advancing clinical research in critical medical fields and underscores its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in the areas of rare diseases and pediatric care.”

Geographic reach

Setting up the new unit in Poland is also in keeping with the expansion plan Julius Clinical outlined when it was acquired by private equity investor Ampersand Capital Partners in 2023.

At the time, Julius said the investment would help with its “strategic vision of growing its geographic footprint while enhancing its therapeutic expertise in CNS, renal, cardiometabolic, and infectious diseases.”

Unsplash/Aliaksandra Yadzeshka