Clinical Research Sites Honor Top Sponsor and CRO at 2012 Site Solutions Summit

ELLICOTT CITY, Md., Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At this year's Site Solutions Summit, the 2012 Eagle Awards were presented to Eli Lilly and Company as the top pharmaceutical sponsor and to Medpace as the top contract research organization (CRO).

Sites voted via confidential ballots to select this year's Site Solutions Summit Eagle Awards recipients, evaluating companies they had worked with in the preceding 18 months on criteria that included professionalism, partnership, efficiencies and financial considerations. The sites' votes represented their collective voice in naming these two companies as "the most desirable to work with as a clinical research study partner."

The Eagle Awards recognize outstanding leadership, professionalism, integrity, passion and dedication to advancing the clinical research profession through strong site partnerships. Winning companies were honored at the 2012 Site Solutions Summit Eagle Award Dinner on Saturday, October 13. The dinner capped the annual Summit, held this past weekend at the PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

"We are delighted to recognize Eli Lilly and Medpace with the prestigious Eagle Award as they pursue the kinds of solid partnerships with sites needed to raise the bar on quality and integrity in the clinical research enterprise," comments Christine Pierre, President of the newly formed Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS). "They understand the value of collaboration that allows sites to do their best work.  In adhering to the highest standards as we conduct studies, patients benefit as meaningful therapies can be brought to market sooner."

Eli Lilly and Company Voted Top Sponsor

"At Lilly, we believe the clinical research site is our partner in the research process, not simply a provider that we contract for services," said Michael D. Jones, Sr. Director, Global Clinical Operations, Lilly Research Laboratories. "I'm grateful that clinical research sites identify Lilly as an exemplary partner and it is an honor to accept this recognition from such an esteemed group of sites and are proud to accept this award at the annual Site Solutions Summit."  Lilly has received the Eagle Award for the second time.

Medpace Voted Top CRO

"We are extremely pleased to receive the Eagle Award for the second year running," said Susan Burwig, Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations. "Medpace CRAs continue to deliver the highest quality of therapeutically focused support at the site level.  Winning this award for a 2nd year is a testament to the intense training given to Medpace CRAs and to our ongoing strong relationships with sites."

About The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS)

The Society for Clinical Research Sites is the trade association representing the global clinical research sites.  Our Mission is to Unify and amplify the voice of the global clinical research site community.  SCRS is committed to representing SCRS members in the following ways: Advocate, Connect, Educate and Mentor.  Ultimately, through supporting its mission, SCRS will help improve the development of safe, effective timely treatments for patients.  Recognizing the importance of including all industry stakeholders, any company involved in clinical research may participate as a member of SCRS.

The Site Solutions Summit is the annual meeting of The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) and was co-hosted this year with the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO). The annual event brings together leaders from the continuum of the clinical research process, including research site executives and professionals; executives from Sponsors and CROs; and other senior-level industry representatives. In a collaborative setting, these stakeholders tackle the business challenges they face and identify best practices to meet those challenges.

More information about the Society for Clinical Research Sites and the Site Solutions Summit and the Eagle Awards can be found at www.myscrs.org and www.sitesolutionssummit.com.

About The Association of Clinical Research Organizations
ACRO represents companies who provide specialized services that are integral to the development of drugs, biologics and medical devices. ACRO provides an active voice for the global CRO industry and, through its member companies, helps to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of biomedical research. ACRO member companies employ more 66,000 people worldwide. Learn more at www.acrohealth.org

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. For additional information on Lilly's patient care and disease management programs, visit http://www.lillyforbetterhealth.com

About Medpace
Medpace is a leading global full-service clinical research organization providing Phase I-IV core development services for drug, biologic, and device programs. With medical and regulatory expertise in multiple therapeutic specialties, Medpace has assembled the industry's most experienced and therapeutically focused teams to execute at every level of the company's operations, providing complete and seamless drug development services.  With more than 1200 employees and clinical trial experience in over 40 countries, Medpace creates strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to provide the most efficient and cost-effective path to drug development – from program planning and execution to product approval. Learn more at www.medpace.com

SOURCE The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS)