PRINCETON, NJ - Sep 10, 2014 - WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG), the world's largest provider of regulatory and ethical review services for clinical research, announced today that New England Independent Review Board (IRB) has joined the group of companies. Based near Boston, MA, New England IRB expands WCG’s presence in the important New England clinical research hub and further increases its expertise in all phases of drug, medical device and behavioral research.

WCG Chairman and CEO Donald A. Deieso, Ph.D., commented, “We are delighted to welcome New England IRB to the WCG family. New England IRB is recognized for its focus on quality - it has an exceptional regulatory and compliance record - and for providing extraordinary, personalized service to its customers.” He added, “The level of innovation and clinical research leadership in the New England region has grown substantially in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. It is important that we provide a strong regional presence for our clients.”

Founded in 1988, New England IRB was one of the first national, central IRBs dedicated to ensuring the rights and welfare of research study participants.

“We are excited to begin this new phase in New England IRB’s growth,” said New England IRB President James Saunders. “We can now offer our clients access to technologies and processes that will make the clinical trial process more efficient.”

New England IRB will continue to operate independently and will retain its leadership, personnel, and brand. WCG will provide New England IRB with access to technologies, capital and corporate support.

New England IRB joins Western IRB (WIRB), Copernicus Group IRB, Midlands IRB, Aspire IRB, and IRBNet as a member of the WCG family of companies. With the addition of New England IRB, WCG has 14 individual IRB panels, all accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), reviewing clinical research.

“Having maintained its AAHRPP accreditation since 2004, New England IRB has demonstrated itself as a very high quality review board,” said AAHRPP President and CEO Elyse Summers, J.D. “WCG’s commitment to human subjects’ protection and AAHRPP accreditation across its wide spectrum of clients redounds ultimately to the benefit of the volunteers who make the entire human research enterprise possible,” she added.

Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed.

About the WIRB-Copernicus Group

WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG) is the world's largest provider of regulatory and ethical solutions for clinical research, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) review. The pioneer of independent ethical oversight, WCG continues to drive progress in the clinical research space. Today, WCG’s solutions are built upon the foundation of ethical review, but have grown to include a suite of complementary services and technologies. These offerings include electronic informed-consent solutions, interactive Part 11-compliant online learning management solutions for clinical research professionals, and software compliance and research oversight solutions for institutions. WCG leverages its industry insight to stimulate growth, foster compliance, and maximize efficiency for those who perform clinical trials.

For more information, please visit www.wcgclinical.com or follow us on Twitter @WCGClinical.