Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) researchers have been involved in pediatric clinical trials for over 30 years. These clinical studies ensure that medicines, vaccines, and treatments for children are safe and effective. Most of these studies are industry-sponsored, while federal agencies (FDA and NIH) and other grant awards supported the remaining trials. Many researchers conduct clinical trials at ACRI’s Pediatric Clinical Research Unit (PCRU) located at ACH’s main hospital building. Available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the PCRU provides a 4,000-square-foot facility for high-quality clinical pediatric research. ACRI offers a staff of qualified nurse research coordinators to assist investigators with pre-site visits, IRB submissions, and the day-to-day operations of their clinical studies. The costs associated with these services are direct expenses to the specific clinical study and are paid for by the sponsor. The PCRU has four semi-private and two private beds, a full laboratory, and two freezers (−20°C and −70°C) for sample processing. It also includes a kitchen, offices, equipment storage, a waiting area, and a small conference room. ACRI provides a nearby on-site Research Pharmacy for the PCRU on an adjoining corridor.
Contact: PCRU Manager Jason Ketcher, MNSc, RN, NE-BC, at KetcherJM@archildrens.org.