Gachon University Gil Medical Center is strengthening its early-stage clinical trial capabilities in Korea by partnering with a global contract research organization (CRO).

The move aims to broaden the scope of global research collaboration, including the introduction of new forms of decentralized clinical trials.

Gil Medical Center announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Avance Clinical on Wednesday in the conference room of the Women's Cancer Hospital to foster mutual cooperation in the clinical trial field. Avance Clinical, headquartered in Australia, is a global CRO with competitive strengths in early-phase clinical trials, including phase 1 and 2 studies.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate in various areas, including expanding early-phase clinical trials in Korea, applying decentralized clinical trials, conducting research governance meetings, and evaluating research feasibility. They will also strengthen their joint research foundation by sharing research opportunities and information across therapeutic areas held by Avance Clinical.

“Avance Clinical is strengthening its capabilities to provide efficient, high-quality clinical trial services in the Asia-Pacific region,” Avance Clinical CEO Mark Harvill said. “We look forward to providing patients with more treatment opportunities through this agreement with Gil Medical Center.”

Chung Myung-hee, director of Gachon Institute of Life Science and Technology, said, “By collaborating with Avance Clinical, we will enhance Gil Medical Center's international clinical trial capabilities and, furthermore, provide patients with new treatment opportunities through high-quality clinical trials.”