New Delhi-based Catalyst Clinical Services Private Ltd, a Contract Research Organization (CRO) has announced a diploma course in clinical research for the first time in the country. The Professional Diploma in Clinical Research (PDCR) is to provide a basic level understanding of various clinical trial processes.

The PDCR is expected to help the student take up a career as a clinical research associate, site coordinator, data manager, system analyst, medical advisor, business development manager etc.

According to company sources, their core team includes an array of highly competent and experienced clinical research professionals having a rich experience of conducting ICH-GCP trials. The Advisory panel includes highly experienced clinical research professionals from India and abroad, they claim.

The course curriculum includes an Introduction to Pharmaceutical Medicine, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Foundations, Drug Regulatory Affairs (Clinical Trials) and Roles & Responsibilities of Clinical Trial Personnel. The registration & enrolment to the programme of PDCR is offered in the months of January, April, July and October, they said.

The company feels that the course is to benefit professionals in areas like pharmacy, medicine, life sciences, R&D, clinical research, allied areas and academic fields.

Catalyst Clinical Services is primarily into Clinical Trial Management & Execution, Training & Development and Business Process Mapping (development of Standard Operating Procedures). The company is coming out with Clinical Quest, India's first publication for clinical research professionals.