Algorithme Pharma opens the doors of its new clinic
Major investment for Quebec leader
Will you be a VOLUNTEER?
(Montreal, September 7, 2005) Algorithme Pharma President and CEO, Louis Caillé, officially opened the doors of a new clinic this morning, in state-of-the-art facilities at 1200 Beaumont Ave. (Acadie metro station), in Montreal, Canada’s pharmaceutical capital.
A first in the Quebec industry
In an effort to demystify the world of clinical research and biopharmaceutical analysis, Algorithme Pharma offered its visitors the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a volunteer participating in a clinical study. The proposed program consisted of a simulated study, a guided tour of the facility, and a chance to meet and talk with the volunteers, under the supervision of Claude Tremblay (Clinic Director) and Dr. Éric Sicard (Senior Clinic Investigator).
This experience, a first in the industry, allowed participants to witness the superior ethical and professional standards, the completely safe environment for volunteers, and the human and personalized service that makes Algorithme Pharma the Quebec leader in research and clinical studies.
Algorithme Pharma opens it doors to the public
On Saturday, September 10, Algorithme Pharma will open its doors (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to the public, inviting them to gain a better understanding of the world of clinical studies. This initiative is also aimed at raising money for The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. In fact, Algorithme Pharma will donate $10 to the foundation for every visitor at the clinic during this event.
The Beaumont Clinic: A major investment for the industry
Representing an investment of over $7 million and the creation of 300 new jobs (over a three year period), this new clinic is Algorithme Pharma’s largest facility. With a surface area of 68,000 ft.2, the Beaumont Clinic will house 240 volunteers for the various stays required by bioequivalence/bioavailability clinical studies for its Canadian, American and European clients.
On top of its state-of-the-art machinery, the following infrastructures are available: Dormitory, meal area, dosing room, sample collection room, TV area, and washrooms (toilets and showers).
The volunteers’ well-being is supported by a secure environment
Algorithme Pharma is committed to the safety, health and well-being of its volunteers, a pledge that has allowed it to amass a database of over 33,000 volunteers since its founding.
This environment includes several elements:
- The volunteer selection process is extremely strict.
- When the volunteers arrive at the screening center, they are given a document explaining the study and what will happen during their stay. It contains important notices, such as possible side effects, the prohibition of drugs (except those from the clinic), alcohol and tobacco, as well as the schedule for meals, snacks and blood tests. In total, we usually take about 140 ml or 1/2 a cup of blood over 24 hours, i.e. approximately one-third of what is collected in 20 minutes at a Héma-Québec blood drive.
- The information concerning the study is posted throughout the clinic so that volunteers can read it at will. Note that the volunteers are free to withdraw from the study at any time.
- The medical staff is always available to inform, advise, reassure or help the volunteers. In addition, the staff is responsible for the volunteers’ safety and comfort, and for ensuring the rules of protocol and quality of life are respected.
Moreover, Algorithme Pharma is inspected and approved by Health Canada’s Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the latter having the highest standards in the world. Lastly, Algorithme Pharma is governed by an independent Institutional Review Board.
The studies conducted by Algorithme Pharma
Algorithme Pharma specializes in two types of clinical research: Bioequivalence/bioavailability and Phase 1. Bioequivalence studies compare two similar drugs, one of which is already on the market, whereas phase 1 studies help develop new drugs. Algorithme Pharma mostly conducts bioequivalence/bioavailability studies. For this kind of study, the company offers its volunteers compensation of up to $1,500 for their participation.
This compensation is still the main reason people agree to participate in clinical studies for Algorithme Pharma. In fact, 49% of study respondents1 mentioned the monetary aspect in their answers. However, 40% of respondents mentioned that their participation was altruistic, i.e. to advance science and to help sick people.
Algorithme Pharma: 25 years’ experience, 200 clinical studies, and over 7,000 volunteers per year. It is also a privately held Québec-owned organization that employs close to 400 professionals, 21 of whom are physicians. In the past fi ve years, Algorithme Pharma has seen impressive growth in the region of 600%, proof of the vitality of this Quebec organization, which ranks among the world leaders in the international pharmaceutical industry.
1 Ipsos Descarie study “Notoriété et attitudes face aux études cliniques”, April 2005. Appendix provided in the press kit.
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Source : Algorithme Pharma • www.algopharm.com
Information: Bernard Duval, 514-398-9758, Ext. 223