LabConnect and Australian Clinical Labs' (ACL) Specialised Trials have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding clinical trial support services throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The exclusive, multi-year agreement marks a significant development in the region's clinical research infrastructure.
The partnership combines ACL Specialised Trials' established presence as a leading clinical trials laboratory in Australia with LabConnect's global expertise in central laboratory solutions. This collaboration is positioned to serve pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical research organizations conducting trials ranging from Phase 1 to Phase 4 studies.
Strategic Operational Framework
The partnership will operate from a dedicated hub in Port Melbourne, Victoria, serving as the operational center for the region. ACL Specialised Trials will function as LabConnect's primary laboratory services provider for Australia and the broader APAC region, offering a comprehensive suite of services including:
- In-country lab kit building
- Biospecimen management
- Project and data management
- Logistics support
- End-to-end pathology solutions
- Central laboratory services
Market Impact and Growth Potential
Melinda McGrath, ACL Group Executive CEO, highlighted the partnership's significance: "This long-term partnership will help global clients access Australian patients and bring key international trials to this part of the world - ultimately resulting in the advancement of leading-edge medical breakthroughs that can save lives and improve patient outcomes."
The collaboration positions both organizations to capture opportunities in a growing $8 billion market. LabConnect's APAC operations, led by Catherine Osborne as APAC General Manager, will be strengthened by ACL's extensive test menu and comprehensive service range.
Enhanced Global Research Capabilities
Wes Wheeler, LabConnect CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: "Our clients increasingly include Asian Pacific investigative sites in their clinical development plans, and our partnership with ACL Specialised Trials provides us with a platform from which we can deliver our comprehensive suite of industry-leading central laboratory services across the region."
The alliance builds upon LabConnect's extensive experience of over 20 years and 1,900+ clinical studies across 93 countries. Their combined capabilities include access to more than 10,200 validated assays and advanced sample tracking systems, positioning the partnership to support complex clinical trials effectively.
Service Integration and Technical Infrastructure
The partnership will leverage ACL Specialised Trials' purpose-built facility and extensive experience in commercial and clinical trials. This infrastructure supports a seamless transition from initial inquiry through to delivery, backed by:
- State-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- Dedicated pathology approach for Phase I-IV trials
- Advanced technology integration
- Experienced project teams
- Comprehensive quality management systems
This strategic alliance represents a significant step forward in expanding clinical trial capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, promising to accelerate the development of new therapeutic options and improve patient access to cutting-edge clinical research.
