October
 2008

Nucleus Network wins 2008 Governor of Victoria Export Awards

Nucleus Network won the 2008 Governor of Victoria Export awards in the category of Emerging Exporter and a second major award,  the Victorian Export Award for Innovation Excellence.  This is an outstanding result for everyone at Nucleus Network as everyone has had a part to play in this achievement. Nucleus Network is now a finalist for the Australian Export Awards that will be announced on 5th December. See http://www.exportawards.gov.au for more information

Nucleus Network hosts Clinical Research Excellence Conference - CRX08

The second Clinical Research Excellence Conference, CRX08, was held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in Queensland on Thursday 7 through to Saturday 9 August 2008.

The conference was hosted by the Queensland Clinical Trials Network Inc., The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and Nucleus Network in association with National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC), Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and British Association of Research Quality Assurance (BARQA).

CRX08 is the pre-eminent conference for the Clinical Research industry across Australia in 2008. The meeting attracted over 300 attendees and initial feed back from participants has been very supportive and encouraging. Many were delighted to see indigenous health feature so prominently in the program, which was an initiative developed by the Scientific Program Committee specifically for the 2009 conference in Brisbane.

Nearly 50 renowned clinical research key identities participated in the two and a half day program including Professors Michael Good, Ian Frazer, Warwick Anderson and Peter Morley. Four international speakers provided a global perspective on clinical research.

This year, 12 abstract submissions were accepted for oral presentation. These presentations were built into the program and were well received by attendees.
The program focus was around five distinct streams that appealed to a wide range of clinical research professionals, researchers, practitioners and people interested in this industry. 
 

 Austin Health and Nucleus Network announce new clinical trials unit for Melbourne

The new facility, the Austin Centre for Clinical Studies, is a joint venture between Austin Health and Nucleus Network and will bring together the nation’s top clinical researchers, medical professionals and research alliances.

This partnership will further broaden Australia’s competitiveness to attract world class early phase clinical trials. Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research in the northeast of Melbourne. The partnership will further add to Austin Health’s world-renowned reputation for research and specialist work in cancer, liver transplantation, spinal cord injuries, neurology, endocrinology, mental health and rehabilitation.

Together, Nucleus Network and Austin Health will provide access to more facilities, expertise and intellectual know-how and can provide companies and researchers with integration of product development capabilities and quality driven clinical research.

Nucleus Network Education releases a new range of web-based Courses

ClinfoSource, a global online training company based in Danville, California, announced today that it has partnered with Nucleus Network Ltd based in Victoria, Australia to jointly provide web-based training for clinical trials professionals in the Australia region, later to be extended to include the New Zealand regulations. This program is intended to offer clinical trial investigators, coordinators, research associates and other clinical trials professionals a solid and practical understanding of clinical trials conduct and management, and of the regulations and ethics central to the drug development process. The program will be launched in March, 2008.

Press Release

VMIA and Nucleus Network launch new Standard Operating Procedures for Victorian Public Institutions

A set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Clinical Research Sites was released to public hospitals and research institutions in Victoria last week. The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) in conjunction with Nucleus Network has developed a generic set of SOPs to assist these institutions to comply with regulatory requirements and GCP guidelines.

The SOPs are available free of charge online at http://www.vmia.vic.gov.au/

For more information down load press release: VMIA_Nucleus Network_SOP_Press_Release

The CRX07 inaugural conference builds clinical research profession

The inaugural conference for building the clinical research profession - Clinical Research Excellence 2007, was launched and held in Melbourne on the weekend of 17-19 August 2007.

Delegates left the conference with valuable tools to expand their ability to pracitse high quality research and obtained first-hand practise knowledge on the Global trends affecting the industry.

"The conference builds on Nucleus Network's commitment to grow the clinical research community and its efforts to collaborate with key stakeholders to build clinical research platforms for excellence for Australian Clinical Research Professionals in the Industry", Robyn Lichter, Education and Training Manager states. The conference brought together leading medical, clinical and allied health professionals including internationally recognized speakers to achieve even greater national and international recognition for Australia's excellence in clinical research

Please visit the conference website www.crx07.com for information on the conference.

Nucleus Network is a proud sponsor of the BioForum 07 Conference - Shaping the Future

Date: 16 & 17 August 2007
Venue: Four Points by Sheraton, Geelong, Victoria

Nucleus Network joins other sponsors to support this event. Sponsors include : the Victorian State Government; City of Greater Geelong / BioGeelong; Perkins Resources; Deakin University; CSL; BioGeelong; ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals Limited; and Kendle

For registration or more information about this event Click Here

Prof Peter Ebeling, Chair of Medicine, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) The University of Melbourne, Western Hospital.
Professor Robert Cowan, CEO, CRC Cochlear Implant & Hearing Aid Innovation.
Mr Robert Merriel, Business Manager, Melbourne

Clinical Research Courses promoted at ARCS 2007 conference, Sydney

The Association of Regulatory and Clinical Scientists to the Australian Pharmaceutical Industry (ARCS Australia) is the professional Association that supports scientists involved in the development of therapetic products. Nucleus Network together with Clinical Network Services and Melbourne University, exhibited at the ARCS 2007 conference, Sydney. Robyn Lichter and Maria Chiam (Nucleus Network), Brad Atkins (Melbourne University) and John Morrison (Clinical Network Services) took this great opportunity to meet past, present and future course participants!

Nucleus Network attends ACRP 2007 Global Annual conference in Seattle

Robyn Lichter, Nucleus Network’s Education and Training Manager and Maria Chiam, Marketing Manager attended the ACRP Annual Conference in Seattle. A great number of ACRP members were met from all different parts of the world and information on industry trends and course and certification requirements were exchanged. ACRP Australia and CRX07 conference, was promoted at the ACRP Headquarters booth and communicated to over 6000 conference delegates.

Nucleus Network selects LabPas CT to fully automate Phase I clinical trials.
 

Andrew Giddy, CEO of Nucleus Network states, “LabPas CT’s comprehensive automation of the Phase I laboratory, clinic floor, recruiting, and sample storage enhances Nucleus Network's commitment to provide sponsors with operational and service excellence by increasing compliance and speeding trials. It also helps position our new 24-bed, state-of-the-art Phase I facility as the preeminent clinical research center in Australia.”

The NEW Medicines Australia Clinical Trial Agreement Template

Monday 4th December, over 30 clinical research professionals gathered to discuss the Australian Clinical Trial Agreement Template.

Speakers included Michael Herbert (Cancer Trials Australia), Bill Karanatsios (VMIA), Arthur Rallis (Philips Fox), Lisa Nelson(Nucleus Network), John Morrison (Clinical Network Servicess) and Dr Carlo Maccaronne (GSK). An overview of the benefits were discussed as well as the impact of the template on current work practices.The speakers and many members of the audience were eager for the template's implementation.

Nucleus Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Peter Hodsman MD, FRACP, FRCP as full-time Medical Director

 

Peter is a senior researcher with extensive experience in drug development. He trained as a specialist physician and spent 5 years as a research academic in the Department of Medicine at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne . He has subsequently worked in senior roles for both large pharmaceutical and small biotechnology companies and has a strong track record in academic and clinical research.

Peter brings enormous experience to Nucleus Network and he adds to our team of internal physicians and our closely associated Specialists from the Alfred Hospital , Prof. Henry Krum, our former Medical Director, remains as a Senior Medical Adviser to Nucleus Network , whilst continuing to pursue his research, teaching and clinical work at Monash University and the Alfred hospital

Increasing interest for Good Clinical Practice courses from Research Professionals around Australia.

Recognition for nurses pursuing clinical research continuing education

May 2006, the Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) agreed to endorse three ACRP programs for Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) points. The three programs are the certification exam for Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC™), which was approved for 7 CNE points; the Good Clinical Practice—Practical Applications seminar, approved for 6 CNE points; and the Good Clinical Practice for Research Professionals seminar, approved for 7 CNE points for each of the two days it is held. CNE points are awarded to professional development activities that are either organized by RCNA or have been endorsed or accredited by the college. One point equates to 60 minutes of education. Nucleus Network Education will be work towards linking medical, nursing, pharmacy and other clinical research related professional organizations to build further partnerships in and NZ to further increase the availability of GCP programs and certification to research professionals.

May   2006

ACRP GCP Course and Certification are recognised for credit at Melbourne University ’s School of Enterprise Post Graduate Clinical Research Program. The organisations look forward to building more courses and bridging programs to create more availability to Good Clinical Practise course to students. Any organisation interested to partner with Nucleus Network for education and training courses is enouraged to email Robyn Lichter at: r.lichter@nucleusnetwork.com.au

Australian Clinical Research Symposium    a success in San- Francisco

On Friday 7th April, utilising a national agenda, the Advance San Francisco Life Sciences Network  together with Nucleus Network and a panel of Australian Clinical Research organisations, co-ordinated a symposium to showcase Australia’s Clinical Research capabilities. A panel of Australian and American key speakers shared their knowledge of Australia’s Clinical Development Arena and present an overview of Australian Clinical Development capabilities and case-studies of US based firms working successfully in Australia. Over 50 participants shared their experiences and knowledge that the Embassy Suites San Francisco Airport bringing Australian and Americans together to foster links and exchange views.

Click on the links below to download presentations.

Agenda
1. Conducting Clinical Research in Australia

Experiences of running early phase studies in Australia as a US based sponsor
Dr Krishna Sudhir, Executive Director, Clinical Development, J&J Ventures, USA

Australian competitiveness - Review of Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) benchmarking study
Dr Andrew Giddy, CEO, Nucleus Network, VIC

How to conduct studies in Australia
Professor Anthony Webber, CEO, Clinical Network Services, QLD

2. Australian Clinical Development capabilities

Australian approach to collaboration
Dr Andrew Giddy, CEO, Nucleus Network, VIC

Clinical Research & Development in NSW
Ms Kerry Doyle,  Executive Director,  NSW Ministry for Science and Medical Research

Clinical Research & Development in WA
Professor Peter Klinken, Director, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research

Clinical Research & Development in SA
Ms Natasha Crichton, Marketing and Communications Manager, BioInnovation SA

Clinical Research & Development in VIC
Ms Lisa Nelson, General Manager, Centre for Clinical Studies Clinical Research Organisation

Clinical Research & Development in QLD
Mr Mario Pennisi, CEO, Queensland Clinical Trials Network Inc

Australia New Zealand Biotech Alliance
Mr Keith Anthonisz, Chair of AustraliaNew Zealand Biotech Alliance (ANZBA) 

Email lifesciencesSF@advance.org  for more information

                                                                      Organised by:

                                                                            Sponsored by:

January
2006

Prof.Graham McClelland, Global Head of Clinical Pharmacology Department at Roche, speaks at Biomelbourne Network's CEO lunch.

At a well attended BioMelbourne Network lunch hosted by Nucleus Network, Prof. Graham McClelland, Global Head of Clinical Pharmacology Development at Roche Pharmaceuticals, spoke about Roche's novel approach to the structure of its applied clinical development services. Roche is planning to offer support to Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in the development of products that fall outside of the mainstream focus of big pharma.  They will do this by offering some excess capacity in their clinical pharmacology units, their trial stock manufacturing capacity  and their sample handling and logistics arms.

Education and Training Partnership Formed with Clinical Network Services, Queensland

Nucleus Network, as the Australian Chapter for the Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), has established a formal partnership with Queensland headquartered CRO, Clinical Network Services, to provide ACRP education programs and certification in Queensland.

ACRP Certification is the formal recognition of clinical research professionals who have met professional eligibility requirements and who have demonstrated a minimal level of job-related knowledge and skills. ACRP's certification is globally recognised and is granted in recognition of documented and verified work experience and successful performance on a multiple-choice exam.

Nucleus Network and Clinical Network Services (CNS) both have ongoing commitments to increase the awareness of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) by actively establishing training programs for clinical research professionals.  

At a function to formalise the partnership, held at the AusBiotech conference in Perth in November 2005, CNS's CEO, Prof Toy Webber commented, "Nucleus Network is to be congratulated for securing rights to the ACRP suite of programs and we look forward to working with Nucleus Networks as it offers programs that enhance knowledge of clinical research with skills and expertise through seminars, educational sessions, forum activities and certification through diploma and degree programs". Andrew Giddy, Nucleus Network CEO, added "Certification is increasingly valued by today's global clinical research industry. Major CROs and pharmaceutical companies now encourage certification. Certification also enhances professional standing and increased company marketability".

Nucleus Network is eager to assist all clinical research professionals and Australian biotech and pharma companies to increase knowledge of GCP. In 2006, Nucleus Network looks forward to working with partners around Australia on its expansion programs to continue its efforts to provide education and training programs to Australian clinical research professionals nationally.

The first ACRP education program in Queensland will commence 9th December 2005

Australia Ranked #1 As The Best Place To Do Clinical Trials 

An independent report prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Australia #1 as the best place to conduct Clinical Trials. The report benchmarked Australia, USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Singapore & India on a number of aspects related to the operating conditions for the Pharmaceutical Industry. In the category of Clinical Trials, Australia was ranked first due to three main factors:

1. low average costs of conducting studies
2. large number of recognised trial sites
3. high percentage of trials being completed on time

Nucleus Network fully endorses these findings from our own experience in conducting studies and from playing a key role in facilitating multi-site research in Australia. The large number of qualified researchers makes Australia a particularly attractive place to do studies. Unlike USA and parts of Europe, there is still a relatively low amount of clinical research per capita in Australia which suggests that there is plenty of room for more studies.

Overall Australia was ranked second behind Singapore when considering all elements of the benchmarking including business environment, costs, industry skills pool and regulatory practices.

The full report can be found at:

http://www.industry.gov.au/assets/documents/itrinternet/Pharma_Benchmarking_Final_Sept20051007095438.pdf

The Hon John Brumby, MP, Minister for Innovation officially launches Nucleus Network.

Read the official press release here.

Andrew Giddy appointed as CEO for Nucleus Network

Launch pack available for download (click on each to download a pdf):

1. The place that changes lives has changed its name
2. The world of Nucleus Network
3. About us
4. CEO Andrew Giddy
5. Prof Henry Krum
6. Good clinical practice for research professionals