PRA has widened its footprint in Russia and Eastern Europe by acquiring for an undisclosed sum ClinStar, another US-based clinical research organisation (CRO) but one focused on managing Phase I-IV clinical research trials in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic States.

The acquisition includes ClinStar’s stand-alone clinical-trial warehousing and logistics division, IMP Logistics, which operates in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

This means PRA can now offer its clients cold-chain logistics services such as importation of investigational products, clinical supplies, laboratory kits and printed materials; storage in multiple temperature zones; distribution to trial sites; collection of returned medication; and co-ordination of product destruction, the company noted.

Competitive advantage

The deal “provides PRA with a significant competitive advantage in a region where central depot services are integral to study success”, it said.

Over the coming months, the CRO plans to integrate the 300 ClinStar and IMP Logistics employees “with successful operational delivery as a primary objective”.

Geographically focused

ClinStar was privately held and was led by president and chief executive officer David Passov, who now becomes PRA’s senior vice president, Eastern Europe.

 “Our fast patient enrolment, unsurpassed quality and over a decade of successful study delivery in a highly desired geographic location has helped ClinStar to become one of the most well recognised geographically-focused CROs in Eastern Europe,” Passov commented.

The business will continue to provide these resources as part of PRA, while benefiting from the latter’s global reach and full-service capabilities, he added.

Knowledge and experience

“With ClinStar’s high-calibre staff, culture and passion for customer service, it is a logical fit for PRA,” said Colin Shannon, the CRO’s president and chief executive officer.

“ClinStar will augment PRA’s operations and expertise in Russia and Eastern Europe,” Shannon said. “Their knowledge and experience in this region complements PRA’s overall global reach and infrastructure.”