Sharp Clinical Launches Direct-to-Patient Service

Sharp Clinical Services, part of UDG Healthcare and a provider of global clinical supply services, has signed a central pharmacy partnership deal and developed a holistic patient support program with its sister company, Ashfield.

The company has also signed a partnership agreement with European central pharmacy Hubertus, Germany, which will support Sharp’s direct-to-patient logistics service for its clinical trial clients in Europe and neighboring nations. 

The partnership will further enable Sharp to respond to the increasing demand for distribution direct-to-patients’ homes as part of virtual and hybrid trials which are expected to become the norm in the near future. 

It’s the second such agreement for Sharp, which has a similar partnership in place in the U.S. The agreement with Hubertus means Sharp now has the foundation to offer direct-to-patient services in the two largest markets in the world.

“I’m excited to see how we have successfully worked together with our partners and colleagues to establish a comprehensive solution to the benefit of our clients and patients participating in clinical trials,” said Sascha Sonnenberg, global head of business development, Sharp Clinical Services. “This is not just a temporary option during the COVID-19 situation, but will experience an increasing demand in a post-pandemic era.”

Sharp has also joined forces with the Patient Solutions business unit of its sister company, Ashfield. The service will provide clinical educator-led ministering in key areas such as injection training, infusions and blood pressure monitoring to patients in their own home.

This service can be delivered either through in-person visits in Europe or remotely in both the U.S. and Europe as part of a holistic and compliant solution for clinical trial sponsors.

“The breadth and depth of this solution is a unique offering to sponsors in the clinical services market. We can now provide a holistic solution – delivering drugs directly to trial participants as well as supporting them throughout their participation,” Sonnenberg added.