History
WCG was founded in 2012 with the goal of systematically transforming drug development by addressing the key critical pain points adversely affecting clinical trial performance.
During our 55-year history through our predecessor companies, WCG has embraced its role as a “Servant to Mankind.” At the core of our mission, we apply leading scientific knowledge and proprietary technology to advance life-saving innovations. By helping to improve the clinical trial process, we allow valuable therapies to be delivered to patients sooner and at a lower cost.
Since our founding, our end-to-end solutions have benefitted more than 5,000 biopharmaceutical companies and CROs, of which 4,000 are small and mid-cap biopharmaceutical companies, 10,000 research sites, and several million patients.
We invite you to explore below the landmark events in the history of WCG.
55 years of pioneering, together.
WIRB pioneers the concept of Independent Ethical Review
Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB) is founded by medical research pioneer, celebrated physician and noted philanthropist Dr. Angela J. Bowen. WIRB becomes the first organization of its kind, dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of patients involved in clinical trials. WIRB is established three years before the National Institutes of Health (NIH) required ethics review of human research, four years before the news media brought the Tuskegee study to public awareness, and eight years before federal regulations demanded IRB review of human research.
Midlands IRB is founded, soon to become the leading specialist in Early Phase review
New England IRB founded to provide regional ethical review support in Massachusetts, now the largest R&D hub in the United States
CenterWatch becomes the first publisher of clinical trials information, data, and analysis
Copernicus Group Independent Review Board founded, growing to become the leading provider of independent IRB services to research sponsors and contract research organizations
Following the death of a research subject, WIRB assumes responsibility for the oversight of research at the University of Rochester, allowing research at the institution to continue
This is the first time that an institution has relied on an independent review board, but it will not be the last: as of 2018, WIRB is the trusted IRB partner to over 2,700 institutions, including 195 academic medical centers. Proudly, the University of Rochester continues to be one of them.
IRBNet introduces technology to institutional research management through an NIH Grant
WIRB solidifies its partnership with institutions by expanding its services to include the administration of Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs)
WIRB is the first independent IRB to earn accreditation by the Association for Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs
WIRB earned AAHRPP accreditation for meeting rigorous standards of ethics, quality, and protections for human research. Our IRB Solutions group has maintained AAHRPP accreditation since 2003.
Aspire is founded, becoming the first female- and minority-led independent IRB
Copernicus Group becomes the first IRB to achieve ISO Certification, in recognition of rigorous quality management
WIRB and Copernicus Group IRB become the founding members and namesakes of the WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG)
Consisting of 20 of the clinical research industry’s most well-respected and innovative service companies, WCG endeavors to increase the speed and quality with which new therapies are brought to market. WIRB and Copernicus Group IRB, with New England IRB, Midlands IRB, Aspire IRB and IRBNet, make up the Ethical Review segment of WCG.
WCG named one of the “20 Innovators Changing the Face of the Clinical Trials Industry” by CenterWatch
WCG launches WCG Oncology, an oncology-focused Institutional Review Board, supported by a world-class Expert Advisory Board
WCG Oncology is constituted of three dedicated IRB panels, which focus wholly on the ethical oversight of oncology research, a cadre of expert oncological specialists to assist in the review of complex and scientifically-challenging research, and an expert advisory board to provide the company with strategic counsel regarding this rapidly evolving field. Each year, WCG’s IRB Review Solutions reviews more than 1,000 oncology protocols and oversees significant advances in gene therapy, targeted treatments, and companion diagnostics.
ePharmaSolutions joins WCG and is named “Disruptive Innovator of the Year” by Dpharm
WIRB Board Receives ISO 9001:2008 Certification
WIRB follows its sister organization, Copernicus Group IRB, to become the second independent IRB to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification in recognition of its rigorous quality management standards.
WCG establishes Gene Therapy Advisory Board
The WCG Gene Therapy Advisory Board is assembled to advise the company on the latest advances in the complex and fast-growing field of human gene therapy research. Comprised of experts from diverse backgrounds with specialized knowledge of the commercial development, regulatory oversight, and clinical application of products involving recombinant DNA, the Advisory Board provides guidance and strategic counsel to inform the company’s oversight of human gene transfer research, which, among other considerations, involves the careful coordination of IRB and IBC reviews.
CenterWatch, the leading provider of clinical trial industry news and information, joins WCG
WCG acquires ThreeWire, expanding services for clinical study patient recruitment, enrollment, and retention
ThreeWire is a global patient recruitment, enrollment, and retention firm that uses a systematic, patient-focused approach to help biopharmaceutical and medical device companies and clinical research organizations achieve their clinical trial enrollment and retention goals. Prior to its acquisition, ThreeWire had already screened more than 2 million patients in more than 25 countries, consistently producing measurable, predictable results for its clients.
WCG celebrates milestone of 4,000 convened IBC meetings within the United States and abroad
WCG acquires MedAvante and ProPhase, naming Dr. Jeffrey Litwin as the CEO of the combined company
The acquisition of MedAvante and ProPhase positions WCG as the leader in the growing central nervous system (CNS) and behavioral health assessment markets through the delivery of clinical services and technology solutions that improve signal detection. With these two industry leaders added into the family of companies, WCG is able to provide clients a more comprehensive and integrated suite of study start-up solutions.
WCG acquires Patient Genesis’ ConsentNow ™ eConsent technology
WCG acquires Vigilare International
The Vigilare acquisition expands WCG’s scientific review offering by adding the top provider of integrated, end-to-end pharmacovigilance and drug safety solutions for the biopharmaceutical and biotech industry.
WCG acquires ACI Clinical, a top provider of Endpoint Adjudication and Data Monitoring Safety Committees
WIRB celebrates 50 years as a trusted advisor, esteemed partner, and ethical counselor to the biomedical research industry
WCG Clinical partners with InformedDNA to help sponsors design and execute more effective clinical trials
WIRB-Copernicus Group acquires KMR Group and Metrics Champion Consortium
The addition of KMR Group and MCC positions WCG’s Market Insights and Intelligence Division as the preeminent clinical trial benchmarking and research service in the industry.
WCG Clinical Trial Solutions partners with Inspire to improve patient recruitment in clinical trials
CTMS provider Velos joins WCG
WCG acquires leading provider of eResearch solutions for the comprehensive, automated management of institutional clinical research.
WCG acquires First Clinical Research, LLC., organizer of MAGI Clinical Research Conference
WCG announces the acquisition of Analgesic Solutions, LLC
Analgesic Solutions, LLC, is the global leader in the development of new pain medications and in the support of clinical trials in which pain is an indicator of an underlying condition. WCG’s newest addition focuses on increasing assay sensitivity in clinical trials through consulting, innovative tools, data science, technology and specialized training.
WCG acquires PharmaSeek, LLC
WCG welcomes leading provider of administrative, consulting and training solutions for clinical research sites. For over 25 years, PharmaSeek has helped institutions, investigators and independent sites decrease study start-up timelines and reduce cost by assuming the administrative burdens of their research management, including study identification, contract and budget negotiation, coverage analysis, financial management and patient recruitment.
WCG acquires Statistics Collaborative, a biostatistical consultancy specializing in pharmaceutical and biologics clinical trials
Based in Washington, DC, Statistics Collaborative has almost 30 years’ experience providing highly-specialized biostatistical consulting services to developers of new drugs and biologics. While the company’s primary focus is on late-stage clinical trials, where it contributes to trial design, reporting for Data Monitoring Committees, data analysis, and consultation for FDA presentations, it also contributes to epidemiological studies, preclinical studies, and non-clinical research. Statistics Collaborative’s experience encompasses multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular diseases, oncology, infectious diseases, orphan diseases, and vaccines.
WCG launches program to provide clinical research professionals with timely information during the COVID-19 pandemic
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, WCG launched “The WCG Insights Program: Supporting best practices in a global pandemic.” This initiative shared time-sensitive, critical information with the clinical research community through a COVID-19 Webinar Series and COVID-19 Resource Center. The program served tens of thousands of professionals by featuring the industry’s leading voices, sharing expertise in real-time, setting the pace for new best practices, and informing collective efforts to continue to drive critical innovation.
WCG acquires Trifecta, a global leader in clinical trial site communications
Trifecta Clinical is a proven leader in technology-enabled clinical trial solutions, including its comprehensive site communication platform InvestigatorSpace®, virtual training programs and safety documentation services.
WCG acquires The Avoca Group, accelerating clinical trial quality management and compliance transformation
The Avoca Group is a life sciences consulting firm supporting biopharma, biotech, CROs and clinical service providers, which is dedicated to improving efficiency, increasing process quality, and mitigating risk in clinical trials. With the addition of The Avoca Group, WCG expands its portfolio of solutions focused on improving patient access to needed therapies by reducing the time needed and expenses incurred in clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving quality management.
WCG Appoints Sam Srivastava as Chief Executive Officer
Srivastava joins WCG from NeueHealth, where he also served as CEO. He succeeds Dr. Donald Deieso, upon his retirement. In his role as CEO, Srivastava will oversee all WCG global operations. Prior to NeueHealth, he held executive leadership roles for companies including Bright Health, Magellan Healthcare, Cigna, and United Health Group.
WCG launches Its new brand identity.
The rebranding represents the full integration of WCG’s companies and emphasizes WCG’s commitment to partner with stakeholders to bring life-changing therapies to patients, faster. The look and feel better reflects the company’s true identity as a leader, providing the connectivity, technology, data intelligence, and expertise required to successfully advance clinical research.
WCG acquires Array, introducing an integrated clinical research training solution
Array is a leading content engagement partner for life sciences events that offers a unique combination of data, technology, and engagement services proven to enhance business results and drive actionable insights.