Accenture: Clinical and Regulatory Information Management Services Expanded

By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com

Accenture’s  ability to help its pharmaceutical clients achieve more efficient global regulatory submissions that will enable them to get medicines to market more quickly, safely and at a lower cost has been enhanced.  They have entered into an agreement to acquire Octagon Research Solutions, Inc., a provider of clinical and regulatory information management solutions and software for the pharmaceutical industry.

Octagon’s 380-member staff has deep experience in clinical data services and regulatory submissions, with 400 original applications completed, and the company is the fifth largest user of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) electronic submission gateway.  Octagon is a recognized provider for the FDA in establishing clinical data conversion and training standards and has deep knowledge of regulatory affairs combined with well established relationships developed by partnering with regulatory authorities.

David Boath, North American managing director for Accenture’s Life Sciences industry group comments:

“We believe that the timing is perfect for this acquisition as our clients are increasingly under pressure to reduce the drug development and approval timelines to get products to market more quickly, safely and cost effectively,” he said.  ”Our clients have an urgent need to focus resources on the scientific breakthroughs and also to improve the efficiency of their clinical and regulatory operations. Octagon’s capabilities and experience will enable Accenture to provide comprehensive services spanning regulatory operations, submissions management, clinical data conversion and clinical data management.  The acquisition will enable Accenture to offer what we view as the industry’s first comprehensive regulatory services solution with a global footprint.”