SGS Expands Viral Trials: ‘Less Volunteers, Less Cost to Client’
The viral challenge Testing facility, in Antwerp, Belgium, is to benefit from a new 12-bed quarantine facility which will allow SGS Life Science Services to conduct highly specialised clinical trials for the development of new-generation vaccines.
SGS said in a press release that this model differs from traditional community-based studies and will save clients money as the number of volunteers required to obtain meaningful results will be much lower.
Dr. Steven Ramael, SGS Life Science Services Medical Director said that “although the model does not necessarily reflect all parameters relevant to community-acquired infection, it does provide for a carefully controlled, systematic, and efficient method in which a number of variables can be controlled or even eliminated.”
Details of the facility include a negative pressure system and a dedicated laboratory containing a flow cabinet, acid cabinet, and a dedicated workspace in which to handle viral cultures. The expansion is Biosafety-Level 2-Q compliant.
