Bridging the gap in Phase 1 clinical studies

Reaching global target markets

Different populations and dynamics of people react to drugs in distinct ways. A drug that works for one population may not work for others, and Ethnic Bridging Studies allow pharmaceutical organisations to measure their Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP)’s efficacy on a new population of people. Here at Richmond Pharmacology, we focus mainly on Japanese cohorts to fast-track global marketing authorisations in these important markets, reaching patients sooner. 

Volunteers who participate in Japanese Bridging Studies with us must have four, first generation Japanese Grandparents, to accurately study the way the IMP interacts with varied immune systems. 

Supporting Health Equity

Health is a fundamental human right, but often it is determined by factors outside of our control, such as where you are born, how you grow up, access to playtime as a child, and other things like lifestyle and age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being. 

When talking about health equity, it is important to make the distinction between equality and equity. Equity ensures that everyone gets the fair and just opportunity to be healthier, by receiving a tailored allocation of resources dependent on need.

Ethnic Bridging Studies support health equity by comparing immune responses between Caucasian people, and people of other cultures, providing an adapted response to their health. 

Recruiting hard to reach populations

Here at Richmond Pharmacology we understand the importance of studying how treatments affect varied populations of people, and how these studies contribute to breakthroughs in modern medicine. It can be a challenge to recruit the individuals that fit within the complex criteria for these types of trials; luckily, Richmond Pharmacology has a seamless strategy.

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Having in-house teams dedicated to the management and recruitment of Japanese individuals for Ethnic Bridging studies not only lowers costs and improves efficiency but guarantees positive volunteer/organisational relationships. As a result of our recruitment strategy, we have a database of over 280,000 volunteers, with 18,000+ Japanese individuals.

Overcoming challenges

Due to Richmond Pharmacology’s reputation within the industry as the premium Clinical Research Organisation, we are often approached by sponsors to fulfil studies that others are unable to. A good example of this is when we were approached to manage a study that required participants to have an MRI and a PET scan before and during the study. This was an unusual request, but this factor was integral to the fulfilment of the study. 

By creating an effective working partnership with the team at the scan centre, our efficient approach to volunteer recruitment, and enhanced flexibility from all parties, we were able to accommodate the request from the sponsor. 

Our resilience and commitment to our sponsors and to the volunteer’s safety and experience means we can deliver where other Clinical Research Organisations cannot, building a better world for patients across the globe.