PRA Early Phase Experts to Speak at Bioanalysis Conference

RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PRA, a leading Clinical Research Organization, announces that two of our Early Development Services (EDS) experts will present at the European Bioanalysis Forum Open Symposium being held in Barcelona, Spain 16-18 November 2011. PRA will also host an exhibit at booth #C3.

On 16 November at 14:45PM CET, Dr. Nico van de Merbel, Scientific Director at PRA's EDS Bioanalytical Laboratory in The Netherlands, will deliver a presentation titled, "Update on Harmonization of Bioanalytical Stability Determination, as part of the Global Bioanalysis Consortium (GBC) Initiative." Dr. van de Merbel's speech will outline his project team's recommendations for new bioanalytical harmonization guidelines.  

On the same day at 17:00PM CET, Dr. Barry W.A. van der Strate, a Senior Project Manager at PRA's EDS Bioanalytical Laboratory in The Netherlands, will present his paper, "Flow Cytometry for Determination of Efficacy in Phase I." Dr. van der Strate will review specific case studies to demonstrate how researchers can use flow cytometry during assay development to investigate compound efficacy for both in vitro and ex vivo trials.

At PRA's exhibit, representatives from our EDS, Business Development and Operations groups will be available to discuss how PRA can support drug development programs.

Dr. van de Merbel, who joined PRA in 1995, is an expert in quantitative bioanalytical chemistry. As PRA's scientific director of small molecule bioanalysis, he is responsible for the development and validation of novel methodologies that support pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis in all phases of drug development. In addition, he serves as professor of Industrial Bioanalysis at the University of Groningen.

Dr. van der Strate received a Ph.D. in medical biology from the University of Groningen. He joined PRA in 2008 after completing post-doctorates in pulmonary emphysema and CD34+ cell therapy in neovascularization. As a senior project manager at PRA, Dr. van der Strate specializes in method development and validation of immunochemical assays.

PRA's EDS group conducts Phase I-IIa studies for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients through our clinics in Europe and the U.S. with bioanalytical laboratories in close proximity to each, facilitating analysis of time-critical patient samples.  Additionally, we operate our Unit on Demand model in Central and Eastern Europe for early phase patient studies.

About PRA

PRA is transforming clinical trials through our people, innovation and transparency.  PRA provides personalized service customized to the unique requirements of each study. We support our global reach and innovative approach through flexible and reliable service, delivered by skilled employees dedicated to ensuring that sponsors achieve their long-term goals.

We serve our clients across all phases of pharmaceutical and biotech drug development by combining therapeutic and operational expertise with local knowledge.  Offering services in 80+ countries and serving sponsors for 30+ years, we have amassed a level of expertise that has enabled us to work on a variety of compounds, ranging from niche treatments and therapies to blockbuster drugs.  But at PRA, we are looking to the future, not the past.  Our increasingly forward-thinking approach to transforming the clinical trial landscape will continue to make a difference to healthcare patients around the world.

To learn more about PRA, please visit praintl.com, email [email protected] or call our Global Headquarters.

SOURCE PRA