Boston, USA - Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with New Zealand Clinical Research (NZCR).
Novotech’s Senior Therapeutic Strategy Manager, Dr. Shawnna Barrett, and Senior Business Development Manager, Lainie Mulvanny, will announce the MOU at the 4th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference in Boston, MA, on May 23-24, 2024.
NZCR, which has 4 sites across New Zealand, is a leading early phase research center with a strong track-record conducting psychedelics studies.
Novotech has previously collaborated with NZCR on multiple psychedelic studies. This partnership further signals Novotech’s commitment to pioneering research in the field of psychedelic medicines.
For decades, Novotech has been establishing relationships with specialized clinical research sites worldwide, ensuring clients receive priority access to some of the most experienced sites and clinical teams.
The global market for psychedelic drugs, was estimated at US$5.50 Billion in 2023, and is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2030, with revenues anticipated to reach close to US$ 12.94 Billion.
Psychedelic drugs come in three main categories:
dissociative pharmaceuticals like phencyclidine (PCP)
empathogens like 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstacy)
serotonergic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
The leading drugs being investigated in trials are psilocybin, LSD, ketamine hydrochloride, and mebufotenin.
A Novotech review of current research applications reveals that CNS disorders are the leading therapeutic area in global psychedelic drug trials, with primary indications including depression, anxiety disorders, pain, and substance abuse.
“This MOU signifies a further collaboration with NZCR to support Novotech’s psychedelic therapy biotech clients. With their extensive experience and expertise in conducting clinical trials, coupled with a passionate team of psychiatrists deeply invested in this area, NZCR is an ideal research partner for exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Together with NZCR, we aim to unlock new insights, drive meaningful progress, and ultimately, make a positive impact on patients' lives, stated Dr. Barrett.
NZCR CEO, Dr. Christian Schwabe said “NZCR has a close and long-standing relationship with Novotech, who we have successfully partnered with on previous psychedelic drug trials. We are excited about the opportunities this MOU brings as we continue to lead research in this therapeutic area”.
Novotech research has found that during the period from 2019 to 2023, nearly 75 psychedelic drug trials were initiated and remained ongoing. The trials are predominantly conducted in Europe and North America, accounting for 39% and 38% respectively. The Asia-Pacific region follows with 20%, while the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America together hold 3% share.
The number of psychedelic drug trials had grown by more than fourfold from 2021 to 2023.
When analysing trials by phase the data shows Phase II dominates with 37 trials, followed by 11 trials each in Phase I and Phase III. Additionally, there were 4 trials in Phase I/II and 2 in Healthy Volunteers. The prominence of Phase II trials suggests a prime focus on assessing efficacy and dosing of psychedelic drugs in the period from 2019 to 2023.
NZCR was formed in 2020 through the merger of Auckland Clinical Studies (ACS) and Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust (CCST) and is New Zealand’s leading early phase clinical research provider. In 2023, NZCR acquired Optimal Clinical Trials, a late phase clinical trials operation, to form the NZCR Group. NZCR Group brings experience in over 850 trials involving over 20,000 participants.
With physician led, world class research sites and six units located in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton, the NZCR Group conducts complex multi-phase clinical research in healthy participant and patient populations.
Media contact
Toyna Chin
About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com
노보텍은 글로벌 full-service CRO이자 임상 과학 자문 기업으로서 모든 임상 단계에서 바이오텍 및 제약회사의 신뢰받는 파트너로 자리매김하고 있습니다.
아시아 태평양, 북미, 유럽 전역에 걸쳐 30개 이상의 지사와 5,000개 이상의 임상시험기관 파트너십을 보유하고 있으며, 다양한 환자 집단에 대한 최적의 접근성을 바탕으로 삶을 변화시키는 치료제의 성공적인 시장 진입을 지원하고 있습니다.
고객 중심 서비스 모델을 통해 노보텍은 인재, 프로세스, 기술을 유기적으로 통합하여 혁신적인 치료제를 보다 신속하게 시장에 도입하는 데 기여하고 있습니다. 또한, 진정한 파트너십 접근 방식을 바탕으로 고객의 성공, 혁신 역량 강화 그리고 전 세계 의료 발전을 향한 노보텍의 확고한 의지를 실천하고 있습니다.
노보텍은 19년 연속 Frost & Sullivan의 ‘Global Biotech CRO Award’를 비롯한 다수의 글로벌 어워드를 수상하며, 임상시험 운영 및 혁신 역량의 우수성을 공식적으로 인정받고 있습니다. 심층적인 치료 및 규제 전문성, 현지 시장에 대한 인사이트를 바탕으로 노보텍은 임상시험의 전반적인 효율성을 향상, 데이터 분석의 최적화 그리고 정밀한 환자 모집 전략 수립을 통해 고품질의 임상시험 운영을 실현하고 있습니다.
노보텍은 과학적 진보를 바탕으로, 글로벌 건강을 개선하는 혁신 치료제 개발을 실현하는 것을 사명으로 삼고 있으며, 앞으로도 바이오텍 및 제약회사의 성공적인 임상 개발 여정을 함께할 것입니다.
자세한 정보를 확인하거나 전문가와 상담하려면 www.Novotech-CRO.com을 방문하세요.