How We Connect Sponsors with the Right GP Sites
See how PCR Alliance facilitates commercial research in primary care – from site identification to study launch
10
Complex Studies Launched
100%
MHRA & GCP Compliant
2-8 weeks
Average Setup Time
20+
GP Sites Engaged
Featured Success Story
Connecting a Cambridge Biotech with the Perfect GP Site
Setting Up a Complex Biotech Trial in Primary Care
The Challenge: A Cambridge-based biotech developing an innovative enzymatic wound gel needed a GP practice capable of hosting a Phase IIb randomized controlled trial. Traditional hospital sites were too slow and expensive. They needed a primary care site with research experience, the right patient population, and ability to meet MHRA/GCP standards.
Our Role: What We Did
- Site Identification: Matched the sponsor with a large practice with wide reach – a practice with prior wound care research experience and high chronic wound patient volumes
- Protocol Review: Reviewed trial protocol and provided feedback to ensure it was suitable for primary care delivery
- Agreement Facilitation: Negotiated clear responsibilities between sponsor and the GP site, ensuring regulatory clarity
- Ongoing Support: Provided site support for recruitment strategies and protocol adherence throughout the trial
Our Setup Process
Timeline: From First Enquiry to Trial Launch
Week 1: Initial Contact
Cambridge biotech approached us seeking GP sites for wound trial. We assessed their needs and identified a large practice with wide reach as ideal match based on experience and patient demographics.
Weeks 2-3: Site Agreement & Regulatory Prep
Facilitated agreements between sponsor and site. Sponsor started MHRA CTA and REC applications simultaneously.
Weeks 4-8: Regulatory Approvals & Launch
Received MHRA and REC approvals. Site initiation visit completed. Trial launched with first patient enrolled March 2025.
Why This Worked: By leveraging our network of research-ready GP practices and handling all regulatory complexity, we enabled the sponsor to launch their trial 60% faster than traditional hospital recruitment. The practice gained experience hosting complex trials, and patients accessed cutting-edge treatment close to home.
More Success Stories
Scaling a Rare Disease Screening Programme Across 12 GP Practices
The Challenge: A pharmaceutical company needed to engage GP practices in a Quality Improvement Initiative for rare disease screening – but wanted to avoid the bureaucracy of a formal trial. They needed rapid setup across multiple sites with flexibility to scale.
Our Role: What We Delivered
- Network Engagement: Recruited 12 GP practices from our existing network willing to participate in a QI initiative
- QI Framework Design: Structured the project as Quality Improvement (not research), avoiding REC approval while maintaining governance
- Practice Support: Provided templates, protocols, and training materials for all participating practices
- Real-Time Coordination: Managed weekly progress tracking and data collection across all sites
- Scalability: When initial sites showed slower uptake, rapidly onboarded additional practices mid-project
Key Success Factors
Flexibility: QI framework allowed practices to adapt screening methods to their workflows – some used phone consultations, others integrated into routine appointments.
Speed: From initial contact to first patient screened: under 2 weeks. No REC process, no lengthy approvals – just straightforward GP engagement.
Legacy Impact: Practices continued screening beyond project completion, creating lasting clinical behavior change – not just a one-off data exercise.
Why Quality Improvement Works
QI initiatives allow pharmaceutical companies to achieve commercial objectives (patient identification, practice engagement, real-world evidence) while genuinely improving NHS care. No research approvals needed, faster setup, and practices benefit from improved protocols.
Rapid Evidence Generation for Drug Tariff Application
The Challenge: A CE-marked medical device company needed real-world evidence to support a Drug Tariff application. Traditional clinical trials were too slow. They needed a GP practice willing to evaluate the device in routine care and document outcomes.
Our Role: What We Delivered
- Regulatory Pathway: Used HRA decision tool to classify as Service Evaluation (not research), avoiding REC process while maintaining governance
- Site Selection: Identified GP practice with appropriate patient demographics and clinical interest in the device
- Protocol Design: Developed simple data collection protocol within standard care parameters for Drug Tariff submission
- Training: Provided device training and evaluation documentation support
- Agreement Structure: Set up agreement allowing independent publication while giving company review rights
Why Primary Care for Device Evaluations
PCR Alliance vs Traditional CRNs:
| Factor | PCR Alliance | Other CRNs |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 2-8 weeks | 6-12 months |
| Commercial Focus | Yes – our priority | Limited capacity |
| Flexibility | High – direct relationships | Rigid protocols |
| Service Evaluations | Specialist pathway | Not supported |
| Cost | Lower overheads | High hospital costs |
The Result: The device company completed their evaluation in 9 weeks total (3 weeks setup + 6 weeks data collection), with quality real-world evidence used for their Drug Tariff application. The practice gained evaluation experience and has expressed interest in future commercial collaborations.
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