Rochester Clinical Research was founded in 1994 by Nurse Practitioner Patricia Larrabee with the assistance of Dr. Mervyn Weerasinghe. Larrabee continues as the CEO of RCR, and Weerasinghe is the medical director. RCR, which employs 24 people, has been conducting clinical trials of new medications for the past 16 years. RCR also offers free community services, such as health screenings and a diabetes self-management program.
"We are set up like a doctor's office, with eight exam rooms and a lab for blood draws," Larrabee said. "Typically, we conduct Phase 3 clinical trials – when medications are in the final stage before FDA approval, and have been shown to be safe and effective in the first two phases of testing."
RCR works with all the major pharmaceutical firms, and is currently seeking participants for studies of multiple new treatments. RCR study participants receive a monetary stipend to cover their time and travel, but most of their study volunteers tend to be motivated by a desire to receive cutting-edge therapies, or by an altruistic desire to help others, Larrabee said. "From the volunteer feedback we have received, our clients are very pleased with the extra care and time we devote to their medical needs," Larrabee said.
Recognitions
RCR has repeatedly won the "Rochester Choice" award as the best clinical research facility in Rochester, and has been repeatedly named one of Rochester's Top 100 Companies by the Rochester Business Journal. Last year RCR was honored as a "Wealth of Health" winner for their healthy workplace initiatives.
Challenges
According to Larrabee, one of the biggest challenges RCR faces is finding volunteers to participate in its clinical trials. "It is a form of volunteerism that helps the global community while simultaneously providing individual satisfaction and personal benefits," Larrabee said. "Only about 4 percent of people who are eligible to participate in a given study actually do so. New developments in medicine only happen because of volunteers who are willing to donate their time and be part of the solution. "
Rochester Business Alliance Member
Rochester Clinical Research has been a loyal member of the RBA for 12 years. RCR is also involved with the Small Business Council, an affiliate of the RBA. "We love the Small Business Council and the educational offerings that are presented. We also appreciate the Unshackle Upstate initiative and the chance to have our voice heard," says Larrabee.
Contact Info
Patricia Larrabee, RNNP, CCRC
Founder and CEO
500 Helendale Road, Suite L20
Rochester, N.Y. 14609
(585) 288-0890
www.rcrclinical.com
By Kevin Donahue, director of membership and business development
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