Tag Archives: central laboratory services

Assessing Pharmacokinetics in Diabetic Patients with Impaired Renal Function

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Pharmacokinetic (PK) data guide the safe and effective management of a drug Pharmacokinetics in Diabetic Patients with Impaired Renal Functiontreatment; however, with diabetic patients, PK studies can be especially challenging. Varying degrees of kidney disease in patients can affect the PK characteristics of the drug and the reliability of the study results.

From screening patients to determining doses, testing a drug for diabetic patients involves several important considerations.

The importance of early work

Even before a drug reaches the clinical stages, early work can help set the stage. Preclinical research is very important in identifying agents with activity in the diabetic spectrum, while studies in early toxicology provide valuable direction as to whether the risks are acceptable in the diabetic population.

Given that most diabetic drugs affect the kidneys, performing an early renal study on a model can determine if the drug has a future in the diabetic space and may help guide earlier go/no-go decisions ‒ before allocating additional resources to the efforts. Continue reading →

Covance Central Laboratory Services in Shanghai Helps Clients Navigate Chinese Regulatory Reform

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Following the rebrand and restructure of the Chinese regulatory body, the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), in 2013, the regulation process now includes inspections for all multi-national and local pharmaceutical companies with drug filings in China.

Covance China Shanghai-facility As a continued commitment to meet clients’ needs and conform to local Chinese regulations, the Covance Central Laboratory Services Shanghai team (Covance CLS Shanghai) provides guidance to our clients to navigate CFDA inspections.  Backed by more than 10 years of experience in China, the Covance CLS Shanghai team delivers a deeper understanding of CFDA regulatory and operational requirements and helps clients with a standardized process and corresponding documentation.

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Stepping Up the Game: Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (MMRV) Concomitant Testing Support for Vaccine Evaluation

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The introduction of vaccines against Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Varicella (the “V” in MMRV vaccines) led to a drop in the incidence of these diseases by 89% (Varicella) and 99% (MMR). These effective vaccines are a core component in most pediatric immunization programs across the world. Hence, every time a new pediatric vaccine is added to the existing immunization schedule, clinical evidence must be provided that the newcomer does not adversely influence the immunogenic response to the MMRV-licensed vaccines. These required non-inferiority studies when vaccines are co-administered (known as concomitant vaccine testing) come with their own challenges.

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Facing the Storm In Stride

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When it comes to clinical trials, sample collection kits need to arrive on time, or precious samples will not be able to be tested within stability, meaning their data is irretrievably lost. Adverse weather events and other disruptions to the sample chain of transport represent a serious threat to specimen stability and data integrity.

To combat this threat, Covance has invested in a team of global logistics personnel who continually monitor shipments and potential transportation problems around the world, implementing contingency plans when necessary to maintain an extraordinary record of 99.9% on-time deliveries. Even when faced with the largest storm so far this year, Winter Storm Jonas, Covance delivered.

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Are you ready for ISO 15189:2012 to make a difference in your bottom line?

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Is it possible to get more efficiency in your conventional and specialty tests while maintaining ongoing quality? ISO 15189:2012 accreditation answers this question by delivering a comprehensive approach to quality management in medical, central Covance ISO 15189:2012 accreditation blogand referral laboratories. Not only can these standards ensure quality, but they can reduce your risk of costly delays and ultimately save money in your trials.

“It’s no surprise that sponsors are concerned about the risk of regulatory findings and increasingly requesting ISO-accredited labs,” said Paul Kirchgraber, Vice President and Global General Manager at Covance Central Laboratory Services. “They need a demonstration of increasing quality—and savings—across their outsource vendors. Adopting ISO 15189:2012 is a powerful way to highlight our broad quality standards that meet or exceed their expectations.”

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Five Key Advances in Infectious Disease Drug Development

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Infectious diseases contribute to approximately 25%Advances in Infectious Disease Drug and Vaccine Development Covance Blog of global mortality and present critical healthcare challenges, especially in under-resourced countries. Recent research and development breakthroughs may help transform this situation. The industry is now leveraging novel analytical and bioinformatics technologies to better understand the biology and response to viral and bacteriological infections, and thereby develop more rapid and effective strategies for evaluating new therapeutic agents in clinical trials.

1. Applying lessons learned

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapeutics, frequently described as a breakthrough area in drug development, because it highlights the result of combining the biological understanding of disease and prioritizing appropriate resources to speed drug development. The first curative therapeutic regimens containing direct-acting agents for this important cause of liver disease were approved in 2011. Since then, seven additional regimens have received FDA approval with several more promising treatments currently in late stage clinical trials. Continue reading →