Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) Establishes a Strategic Alliance with the Brazilian Society of Investigators

Latin American Network Offers Opportunity to Expand SCRS’ Global Reach

The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) is pleased to announce that it is actively pursuing opportunities to ensure its mission of global site representation is met. Christine Pierre, President of SCRS, says the newly formed trade association has formed a strategic alliance with Dr. Luis Augusto Russo, President of the Brazilian Society of Investigators. The Brazilian Society was started in 2007, and its members are largely principal investigators and owners of private sites across Latin America. It currently has 300 members in the region. The intent of this collaboration is to work toward fulfilling SCRS’ mission of providing a voice to clinical trial sites across the globe while ensuring the Latin American sites have all the benefits SCRS has to offer.

“Our society is very active, and we organize an annual meeting, whereby we discuss the complex regulatory issues and logistics in Latin America in running a clinical research site. When I heard about SCRS and began to understand its focus on site-related issues, I was anxious to meet Christine to begin exploring collaborative opportunities. Conversations went exceedingly well and we are looking forward to ensuring the Latin American site voice is heard through the alliance with SCRS,” Dr. Russo says. This year Dr. Russo will be attending SCRS’ annual meeting, the Site Solutions Summit, where he will be involved in a session discussing the differences sites face in conducting studies in a global environment. With the development of the collaboration between these two organizations, SCRS is looking forward to hosting a Latin American Site Solutions Summit in 2014 with the Brazilian Society. Additionally, all 300 members of the Brazilian Society will now receive the benefits of SCRS membership, which brings the total number of sites SCRS represents to 1,300 in 12 countries.

Dr. Russo explains that the prospects for clinical trials in Latin America are substantial, given the fact that there are 21 countries; 590 million people, many of whom are treatment naïve; and there are only two primary languages—Spanish and Portuguese. Nevertheless, the regulatory environment is challenging for sites to navigate and those concerns need greater visibility. “SCRS stands out as a good platform for us to discuss these issues as sponsors, CROs, and other stakeholders, as well as sites, are all members,” Dr. Russo remarks.

Ms. Pierre said “SCRS is delighted to work with Dr. Russo as they pursue a strategic alliance with the Brazilian Society of Investigators. SCRS is building a global organization for clinical research sites, and having a knowledgeable and experienced partner such as Dr. Russo will be a key step forward in helping our organization add value to sites globally.”

Christophe Berthoux, CEO of SYNEXUS and a member of SCRS’ Leadership Council and Global Committee Chair was pleased that Dr. Russo accepted a position on the global committee representing Latin America. “Dr. Russo’s commitment to SCRS will be invaluable to the development of that region of the world, which will accomplish SCRS’ mission, and Dr. Russo’s longtime commitment to his peers in ensuring that the Latin American sites are heard and positioned for success.”