Women’s health developer Dare Bioscience has extended its deal with Premier Research in which the CRO run US trials of its reproductive health portfolio on an exclusive basis.
The deal makes Premier Research exclusive provider of clinical research organization (CRO) services in the US for all of Dare’s reproductive health product candidates for three years, with the caveat that it has the expertise, resources and availability.
The agreement – financial terms of which were not disclosed – builds on an accord originally established with Health Decisions, a specialty Women’s Health and Diagnostics which Premier Research acquired in 2021.
In return for US exclusivity, the CRO has agreed to provide “attractive pricing structures,” as well as access to an extensive site network and a core team of personnel dedicated to supporting programs covered by the agreement.
Dare CEO Sabrina Johnson cited work completed to date – including a Phase III study of Xaciato in 2020 – as the basis for the extension, adding Premier is already preparing to run an study of Ovaprene, its developmental hormone-free monthly intravaginal contraceptive.
“As we approach the start of the pivotal clinical study of Ovaprene, we are excited to reaffirm our strategic partnership with Premier Research and leverage its deep expertise in the clinical development of women’s health products, including contraception."
Johnson added the CRO could also work on clinical trials of Dare’s other product candidates.
“This extended partnership has the potential to benefit multiple Dare programs, including those outside of reproductive health, such as the planned Phase III study of Sildenafil Cream, 3.6%, through the combination of commitment, clinical development expertise and cost savings.”
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina-based Premier Research is backed by private equity investor Metalmark Capital, which took a position in the firm in 2016.
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