RESTON, Va., February  14, 2006 – PRA International (Nasdaq: PRAI)

, one of the world's leading global clinical research organizations (CROs), today announced Dr. Cynthia Kirk has joined the company as Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs.

Most recently, Dr. Kirk was Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Sepracor Inc., a research-based pharmaceutical company with a focus on respiratory and central nervous system disorders. Dr. Kirk is currently President-Elect of the Drug Information Association (DIA). She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, qualifying as a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Pharmacology/Toxicology.

"Our clients are increasingly looking to us to help them navigate complex regulatory structures on a global basis," said Dr. Monika Pietrek, Executive Vice President, Global Scientific and Medical Affairs. "Dr. Kirk's pharmacology experience, industry knowledge and regulatory acumen further our ability to support their drug development efforts."

Prior to joining Sepracor, Dr. Kirk held several senior level positions in regulatory affairs at pharmaceutical companies and in the CRO industry, where she represented numerous companies before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a strategic liaison for products reviewed and approved across various FDA divisions. 

"PRA International presents me with an exceptional opportunity to work with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies that are defining the future of medicine," said Dr. Kirk.  "I look forward to helping our clients formulate their regulatory and safety strategies."

News

Applied Clinical Trials-03-06-2006

Dr. Cynthia Kirk has joined PRA International as Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs.