TetraQ, the integrated preclinical contract research provider based at The University of Queensland, and Q-Pharm, a leading early phase clinical trial facility in Australasia, have formed a strategic alliance.
The alliance aims to enhance the delivery of bioanalytical services to clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
It is considered to be a positive development for the two businesses, which are both commercialisation enterprises of the University to give industry access to UQ's cutting-edge research resources and expertise.
TetraQ is a leading contract research organization that offers a broad range of preclinical services to the biopharmaceutical industry. A component of TetraQ's services includes bioanalytical services supporting clinical studies (including bioavailability/ bioequivalence and drug-drug interaction studies).
Q-Pharm is a Phase 1 clinical trial provider, servicing the early phase trial requirements of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in Australia and around the world.
According to Q-Pharm CEO, Professor Wayne Hooper, the alignment of the two organisations at the interface of the preclinical and early phase clinical stages of the drug development pathway presented significant opportunities for capturing operational economies, co-marketing of services and cross-referral of potential clients.
"Since 2002, Q-Pharm has been one of Australia's foremost providers of bioanalytical services in support of clinical studies. When we decided to outsource our bioanalytical services to TetraQ the synergistic possibilities became more apparent," Professor Hooper said.
"We can expand our range of services to existing and future clients with TetraQ's involvement. It's a very positive step forward for both businesses as well as our clients."
TetraQ's Executive Director, Professor Maree Smith, also said there were advantages in a strategic alliance.
"TetraQ has a strong track record in fully-validated bioanalytical method development and sample analysis and we are recognised leaders in this area," Professor Smith said.
"TetraQ's GLP recognition and NATA ISO 17025 (R&D) accreditation has positioned TetraQ as the leading integrated preclinical service provider to the Australian biopharmaceutical industry. Q-Pharm is an industry leader in Phase 1 clinical trials so the alliance offers a consistent and reliable level of service."
The alliance was negotiated with the support of UniQuest Pty Limited, UQ's main commercialisation company.
UniQuest was also responsible for setting up TetraQ as the commercial arm of the Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development at UQ and Q-Pharm as a joint venture with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
With their world-recognized credentials, both TetraQ and Q-Pharm have established enviable reputations for high quality services. Both organisations are committed to operating within quality frameworks that comply with the relevant industry-related international standards.
TetraQ was established in 2005 as the first contract research organization in Australia to provide integrated preclinical services to the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Its state-of-the-art facilities and equipment meet stringent quality and testing standards, and its bioanalytical work is accepted internationally for regulatory review, providing clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries with a high degree of assurance.
Emerging from UQ's Centre for Studies in Drug Disposition, Q-Pharm Pty Limited has grown rapidly in the past six years to become a major provider of Phase 1 clinical trial services to national and international clients. It also conducts Phase I clinical trials, pharmacokinetic studies and bioequivalence studies from its state-of-the-art facilities within the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.