announced a strategic partnership with Pfizer Inc.which will see it serve as one of two preferred providers of clinical trial implementation services.

The new partnership is part of Pfizer’s comprehensive program of change in R&D which aims to sharpen research focus, deliver differentiated innovation, and create a more flexible cost base through external partnerships for certain R&D services. To be fully implemented over an 18 to 24 month period, the partnership will enable Pfizer to focus internally on its core capability in clinical trial design.

Under the partnership agreement, Pfizer will retain scientific ownership of the clinical development process, and maintain strict oversight and quality standards relating to patient safety and regulatory compliance. Pfizer will leverage ICON’s expertise in the areas of program initiation and management; site and country feasibility; data management and reporting set-up; program study drug logistics; scientific and medical communications; and quality assurance.  
