Clinical Research Advantage, Inc. Introduces Services in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Clinical Research Advantage, Inc.

, (CRA), a provider of a range of  research services to pharmaceutical companies and clinical research  organizations (CROs), announced its expansion into the Colorado Springs market with the opening of two local area offices.

CRA has forged a partnership with a medical practice in the area  whose physicians serve as principal investigators of the clinical trials it manages and oversees. As a trial management organization  (TMO), CRA helps clinical trial sponsors bring drugs to market more quickly and efficiently. CRA offers a mechanism for medical  professionals to conduct phase II-IV clinical research trials. CRA is comprised of dozens of community-based investigators based throughout the country.

Local CRA offices in Colorado Springs include one at Colorado Springs  Health Partners in Briargate—2405 Research Parkway in Briargate  (office of Kari Uusinarkaus, M.D.; Dennis Schneider, M.D. and Gordon  Golden, M.D.); and on the east side at 6340 Barnes Road (office of John  Speer, M.D., Max Nevarez, M.D., Royce Solano, M.D. and Alan Garscadden,  M.D.).

 Current plans call for several more sites to open in the Colorado Springs area by summer 2011.

The new offices and principal investigators focus on trials and maintenance studies relating to the various diagnoses as well as others within the realm of family and internal medicine. At Briargate, studies underway include irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea,  hypercholesterolemia, Type II Diabetes Naïve (not currently being  treated with anti-diabetic medication) and acute coronary syndrome with  or without Type II Diabetes. Upcoming studies include Type II Diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia. At the east office, studies being conducted  include those for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, irritable bowel  syndrome-diarrhea, pediatric influenza vaccine, and Type II Diabetes with cardiovascular risk. Upcoming studies at this office include opioid-induced constipation and Type II diabetes.

 Concurrent with the office openings, CRA named Monica Garcia, BS, CCRC,  to the post of region manager. Garcia heads the Colorado Springs-area  operations and has worked with CRA for the past six years. She is  certified through the Association  of Clinical Research Professionals , an industry trade organization  that serves as a resource for clinical research professionals engaged in  the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, and  those in hospital, academic medical centers and physician office  settings.

 Since CRA was acquired in 2007 by Mark Hanley, who serves as chief  executive officer, and David Bruggeman, president and chief operating  officer, the company has grown from six to 23 sites, doubled the number  of employees and substantially increased the revenue base.