Vial to launch oncology CRO

San Francisco-based CRO Vial has announced plans to set up a cancer focused services division continuing its strategy of establishing specialist units.

The CRO will aim to “drive faster execution and higher quality trial outcomes for oncology sponsors” according to Vial, which said the new unit will offer its eSource, ePRO, EDC and CTMS systems.

Pact Pharma clinical development head Arati Rao will advise the Vial team on the development and creation of the new cancer trial services unit.

Rao, who is a former associate professor of medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine, said the aim is to make a big difference in the cancer research space.

"When I left Duke to join the biotech industry, I wanted to move the needle for oncology patients and impact therapeutic development at a larger scale.

“The decision to join Vial as an advisor is driven by that same motivation. I believe that Vial can change the field of oncology research for the better, and I'm thrilled to assist them on this journey."

Expansions

The announcement comes just months after Vial said it planned to establish an ophthalmology focused contract services unit.

At the time Vial said the plan was to leverage its US site network of investigators to “ensure faster, higher-quality trial outcomes for sponsors” adding that the unit would offer its trial management system, study start up processes and pre-screening call center to sponsors.

Prior to that Vial established a contracting unit for drug companies developing treatments for skin conditions.

According to a report in Dermatology Times the new unit will operate a 35-strong network of dermatology clinics in the US.

More recently Vial launched VialConnect, a clinical trials management platform built for coordinators and investigators.

The technology –which is offered at no cost – is designed to allow clinical trial sites to access Vial's modernized CTMS and additional services for patient recruitment.

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