It was at a conference in the USA in 2015 that Rima had a ‘lightbulb moment’ after attending several talks around an emerging ‘Direct To Patient’ (DTP) model. The decentralised model of clinical trials, or DTP, provides an alternative to the traditional trial, which involves the patient going into a hospital.
This model ultimately leads to a higher patient retention rate as the convenience means participants are more willing to stay committed. Higher retention means greater amounts of data, earlier trial completion and significant cost savings.
“I knew this model would work well in Australia and overcome many of the issues I’d seen during my time managing trials. I returned here on a mission, and immediately begun feasibility research and planning,” says Rima.
Fast forward to January 2020 when Rima officially launched Central Pharmacy Logistics (CPL) Australia.
“As a start-up in clinical trials, every step along the way has involved milestones and turning points,” says Rima.
“Firstly, it was getting licenced by the Pharmacy Authority to send investigational products to a patient’s home.
“Shortly after launching, the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded – it was such a frightening and uncertain time.
The silver lining for my new business was that the DTP model became in demand, as hospitals restricted access to minimise the risk of a COVID outbreak. We couldn’t build the facility fast enough to begin work for clients and sponsors.”
A huge milestone for CPL has been the recent Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) license awarded by Therapeutic Goods Administration.
In early May, Rima travelled to San Antonio, Texas, as an invited speaker at the Global Clinical Supplies Group 2022 Conference, where she delivered a talk on Decentralised Trials and DTP clinical trials in the Asia-Pacific
“Australia is fast becoming the world’s centre stage for clinical trials due to our pragmatic regulatory system, best-in-class health care system and patient pool diversity. The last time I was at this conference was 3 years ago as a delegate. How life has its interesting twists and turns.”
