PPD Expands Drug Safety Capabilities through WHISCON Alliance

PPD, Inc. has expanded its post-approval drug safety expertise in epidemiology and risk management through a strategic alliance with World Health Information Science Consultants (WHISCON), an epidemiology and drug-safety organization based in Wellesley, MA.

As part of the agreement, the two companies will jointly market their services to biomedical companies, insurers and government agencies worldwide. WHISCON will leverage PPD’s experience in large pre- and post-approval drug studies and PPD will use WHISCON’s client relationships and global safety expertise in epidemiology, risk management, pharmacovigilance, and observational and database studies.

“There are risks associated with every product, and companies need mechanisms for drug safety surveillance,” said Dr. Alexander Walker, a medical researcher and co-founder of  WHISCON. “We look forward to working with PPD to provide our clients with field research and registries to complement the database work that has been our hallmark.”

Fred Eshelman, chief executive officer of PPD, said, “Epidemiology is playing a larger, more important role in understanding and evaluating risks related to drug safety. Our agreement with WHISCON will enhance our ability to help clients identify and manage the benefits and risks of their marketed products.”