SA IS FIRST CHOICE FOR CLINICAL TRIALS

There are a plethora of Clinical Research Organisations across the globe today. The once clearly defined economic & geographical borders, have slowly merged to enable free trade in what may be termed a "global market" with services no longer confined by borders.

A NEW INDUSTRY PLAYER

ACRO (African Clinical Research Organisation) is one such service, based in South Africa, established to meet the ever-increasing demands of the global biotechnology sector, donor-funded organisations, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, pharmaceutical and medical device companies and government institutions, who are looking for a clinical research organisation that is cost-effective, and able to offer locally priced solutions to international standards, whilst assuring the highest standard of ethics across all service offerings.

OPTIMAL EFFICIENCIES

ACRO brings a responsive, internationally experienced team to global players, with preferred partners and networks, resulting in the provision of innovative clinical research and quality solutions. It delivers planning, navigation and execution of innovative programmes with particular strength in optimising timeframes and efficiencies, through access to favourable research patient populations and the ability to guarantee optimal recruitment.

MANAGE PHASE I-IV TRIALS

ACRO is the first South African full-service clinical research organisation to manage phase I - IV clinical trials. The organisation is committed to employing unique knowledge of the region to enhance sponsor confidence in African research centres. In addition, ACRO promotes access to innovative medical products, services and technologies throughout Africa and abroad.

CONSIDER THE COSTS

Clinical trials are vital in the bringing to market of any new drug or medication, however the costs do weigh heavily on sponsors. Conducting trials in South Africa is between 30-50% percent less expensive than the rest of the world. This saving could assist sponsors in re-allocating spend when bringing a drug to market.

ABOUT ACRO

ACRO was set up through collaboration between LIFElab, the commercial arm of the East Coast Biotechnology Innovation Centre (a trust established by the South African Government Department of Science and Technology to implement the National Biotechnology Strategy), and Batswadi Pharmaceuticals, a black-empowered company, with a focus on biotechnology, which aims to increase access to innovative clinical products, diagnostics, devices and services in Africa.

VISIT US AT BIO2008 & DIA IN JUNE

ACRO will be present at the BIO2008 International Convention in San Diego, at the South Africa Stand with partner LIFElab, from the 17-20 June 2008, and at the 44th DIA Annual Meeting at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 22-26 June 2008. We invite you to visit us to discuss your clinical research requirements or to find out more about our service offering. If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with myself, Managing Director of ACRO, Mary-Ann Richardson, please email me at
mary-ann.richardson@acro.co.za

COMPANY BROCHURE & WEBSITE

Should you not be attending BIO2008 & DIA, please don't hesitate to contact our offices in South Africa on
+27 11 267 2250 to request a brochure or alternatively visit our website www.acro.co.za

I look forward to offering you assistance with regards to any queries you may have regarding ACRO, and conducting clinical trials in South Africa, and if you are attending BIO2008 & DIA I look forward to meeting with you.

Mary-Ann Richardson
Managing Director