Metrics Research of Pakistan with the support of UK Trade and Investment Officer of British High Commission, Karachi featured at the mega Arab Health Event, 2009 showcasing Pakistan’s research capacity, capability and attractiveness for pharmaceutical research vis-à-vis drug development.

This was an excellent platform for networking, expanding cooperation and collaborations with representatives from 65 nations. MR hit it off with UKTI and ABHI to further B2B activity and promote partnership.

Preliminary discussions were held for cooperation in R&D in Pakistan and the region involving Afghanistan, CIS countries, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The Middle East and Pakistan offer great opportunities for business expansion needs of Western industrialized nations to meet the growing demand for R&D restructuring, manufacturing, sales and marketing of brand and generic drugs, technology transfer and modernization of the healthcare infrastructure.

Geo-strategically on the cross-roads bridging the West with the CIS nations and also the Asia-Pac countries, the opportunities are a beacon of hope for growth and development of new industries in the region.

It is significant, since the CCRP course is being offered for the very first time at a federally chartered institution of Pakistan. The response was enthusiastic.

The 1st successful batch of CCRP students gained recognition by being offered Bahria University certificates on Oct. 18, 2008 upon completing the course requirements. All student who passed the course shall receive their CCRP diplomas shortly. Students from various setups participated such as medical, city government health administration and universities participated making this a truly remarkable group and a memorable event. Out of fifteen 12 students successfully passed the course.

The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Captain (Retd.) Dr Abdul Majid, Sindh Special Secretary Public Health.

Also, in attendance were reputable guests such as Dr. Shoro from Liaquat National Medical University, Dr. Atif Mirza of GSK, Dr. Zaki Ahmed from Macter Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Taha of Otsuka.

Capt. (Retd.) Agha, Director of Bahria University commented, “We are honored to have achieved a major milestone by producing certified clinical research professionals. And also by enhancing the career objectives of our clinical research aspiring candidates who can now effectively contribute toward any clinical research program both in Pakistan and abroad.”

It is part of Metrics Research’s plan and mission to produce certified clinical research professionals who are at par on an even footing with their international counterparts and participate in any local or international multicenter clinical research study or trial in Pakistan or abroad.

Metrics Research and Bahria University struck an essential agreement to promote Clinical Research Management Certificate Courses in Pakistan.
Bahria, a progressive top notch institution complete with all modern amenities and equipment including international video conferencing facility will further industry specific specialized clinical research trainings out of Karachi to all the major cities of Pakistan and the region.

Upbeat Capt. (Retd.) Ashfaq Agha, Director of Bahria University Karachi a bright future for Clinical Research in Pakistan and will ally this course as part of mandatory curriculum for the proposed Bahria Medical University near Shifa Hospital by 2009. The Rector Vice Admiral Retd. Farooq Rashid vision will enable Bahria become a recognized world-class institution of higher learning.
CE of Metrics Research and KRGI-CA shared the value of this international course not only in Pakistan, but also for the region once clinical research trials become increasingly multi-centered and outsourced. As such there is a dire need to prepare for the future and be part of the global team striving for better cures and new medicines.

Enrolment for the first batch will commence shortly by early August as part of the summer semester programs at Bahria.

TDAP formed an experts committee for promoting clinical research in Pakistan and the following members were responsible for organizing this momentous seminar: Dr Rashid Jooma, Executive Director, JPMC; Mr. Mujeeb Khan, Head WTO Cell, TDAP; Dr. Yousuf H. Khan, CEO, IRD, CE, Metrics Research; Dr. Murtaza Qasuri, Medical Director, Eli Lilly Pakistan; Dr. Zainab Chagla, Manager, Medical Services, GSK

Pakistan has an earning potential of US $50-100 million in foreign exchange should the clinical trial business flourish in the next three years. The benefits are seamless with employment opportunities for the talented HR of Pakistan, conforming with international standards, modernization of existing healthcare infrastructure, technology transfer

Tariq Ikram, CEO of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) commented that while the clinical research business is a new to Pakistan, enormous potential for growth exists in the country and for which concerted efforts are needed to tap into. The seminar was organized jointly by TDAP and the Ministry of Health.

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Health Mrs. Sherry Rehman was chief guest at the dinner hosted by TDAP. She was appreciative about the efforts being made to introduce the clinical research business to Pakistan. She stated that she was committed to developing a viable regulatory system for Pakistan.

The caviar of the occasion was singing of an agreement by CE of Metrics Research with Dr. Syed Mujeeb coordinator on behalf of JPMC for conducing clinical and proteomic and genomic research at JPMC.
In the ceremony the Chairman of People Group of Companies Mr. Syed Iftikhar Zaidi was also present along with their international partners.

CRO Partnerships Conference is one of the biggest conferences bringing together CRO's from around the world. Metrics Research attended this event for the very 1st time and introduced Pakistan's research capacity and capability.

Their were more then 200 CRO's in attendance with some major heavy weights such as Kendle, Quintiles, Covance, i3, INC Research, PPD, Parexel and Pharmanet. MR rec'd a very positive response. Some key speakers expressed their interest in Pakistan's clinical research market.

Some CRO’s have expressed their plans to initiate their businesses independently for conduct of their trials in Pakistan (as stated by executives of some major CRO’s while attending and presenting at the 1st seminar on clinical research management held in Karachi).

Metrics Research’s CE will be attending the International confrences. .................... ... . > 3rd International conference & Exhibition CHINA 2008 Pharmaceutical R & D Summit Shanghai, China (March31-April2,2008

>AACR annual meeting in San Diego (April 12-16, 2008)

>17th Annual CRO Partnership Conference in Las Vegas on 14-16 April, 2008. He would be delighted to share some prospects with you and your colleagues

The workshop was sponsored by HEC and Bahria University under the professional expertise of Metrics Research and arranged by Dr. Awais Siraj.

Local guest speakers included: Dr. Saadat Aliya (Project Director, HEC), Professor Shaharyar (Head of Clinical Oncology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore), Dr Tahir Shamsi (Consultant Hematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Pioneer), Mr. Shaikh Ansar Ahmad (Drugs Controller, R&D, Ministry of Health Pakistan), and Mr. Ch. Zeeshan Nazir Bajar (Deputy Drugs Controller, Ministry of Health, Pakistan).
Chief Guests were: Dr. Saadat Aliya and Capt. (Retd). Ashfaq Agha (Director Bahria University, Karachi Campus).

International guest speakers included: Professor Howard Sussman (Dept. of Pathology at Stanford University, U.S.A.), Dr. Lawrence Faulkner (Founder and Advisory Board Coordinator, Cure2Children Foundation), and Dr. Ahmed Mukhtar (Primary Investor of S3 Labs and former Vice-President of Project Management at Kendle in United Kingdom).
Our MR team put in all their efforts as trainers and coordinators ensuring that this event was a successful one, making the desired impact on the audience, to motivate them and to promote international clinical research guidelines, know as Good Clinical Practices (GCP) as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

The convocation ceremony of the 1st CCRP course batch was held at BTIHS. All successful candidates were awarded diplomas by the distinguished consultant hematologist Dr. Tahir Shamsi.
This batch consisted of 20 members such as doctors, study coordinators, nurses and lab technologists belonging to various departments of the institute.

BTIHS is the first site of Pakistan to have 20 staff members’ trained and well-versed in ICH GCP guidelines. Future looks bright for BTIHS.

Metrics Research was selected by Kendle to conduct a major international multicenter Phase III coagulation study involving >3000 patients, at three prominent sites of metropolitan Karachi.
Metrics achievement was memorable – Despite the Ramadan season it was able to recruit 37 patients in just two weeks. Regulatory approval was received in two weeks.

The Study Initiation Meeting was successfully convened in desert kingdom DUBAI. Teams present were clinical research professionals from Metrics Research, Kendle, and regional sponsor delegates.

MR recruited the services of top orthopedic surgeons of Asia- Pacific region. Pakistan was added last but was right at par if not ahead of other participating countries achieving data query clearance ahead of 10 countries.
Overall a successful study at all levels. The Metrics Team along with the PI’s and site staff through strong coordination and mutual support were able to overcome all sorts of man-made difficulties

Karachi had the pleasure of being visited by two prominent WHO officials and the Assistant Controller of Drugs, MOH on the 5th of October. CE of Metrics Research and Marketing Associate, Mr. S.M.Ali made special arrangements for their visit at MR Head Office and the famous Liaquat National Hospital.

Dr. Milan Smid (Technical Officer, QA & Safety Medicines) and Dr. Zafar Mirza (Regional Adviser) were briefed  on Pakistan’s clinical research potential and training needs. Both expressed keen interest in MR’s ICH GCP training programs and regarded this training as essential indispensable.

A presentation on Pakistan’s health profile and population demographics was delivered followed by a brief visit to LNH where they were introduced to principal investigators Dr. S. Shahid Noor, Dr. Zaki Idrees and Study Coordinator Dr. A. Aziz Madni, participating in an active orthopedic clinical trial managed by Metrics Research.

At Liaquat National Hospital, Dr. Shahid Noor shared hospital information and data statistics reflecting positively on Pakistan’s research capacity and capability.

Metrics Research had the pleasure of showing off some of Karachi’s major research centers to the honorable Dr. Marcus Klein (Head of Medical Affairs – Bayer HealthCare for S. Asia and Hong Kong). He was introduced to some of Pakistan top notch PIs and physicians, sharing valuable information on Pakistan’s capacity and capability to figure prominently among the clinical research comity of nations.

Dr. Marcus felt that aside from China and India, Pakistan and Thailand offered tremendous opportunities as well and hoped that gradually these nations would be in the spotlight soon.

Accompanying Dr. Marcus was CE of MR, Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (Medical Director, Bayer Pakistan) and other company officials.

The entire Metrics Research team was upbeat with Ms. Rebecca’s favorable comments on MR’s milestone achievement meeting its enrollment target seven months ahead of schedule. She also lauded the efforts of Dr. Rubina Hussain (PI) of Ziauddin University Hospital while visiting her personally. .

Ms. Rebecca had a very busy schedule yet had a very good overall impression of Pakistanis on her very first visit to Karachi. She found all persons she had met affable and courteous.

On day three, she visited Liaquat National Hospital meeting top notch orthopedic surgeons Dr. Shahid Noor and Dr. Idrees, Dr. Shoro (Dean of Liaquat Medical University) and Dr. Altaf (Head of LNH Research Committee).
Later that afternoon she was briefed by Dr. Tahir Shamsi on his research activities at BTIHS and discussed diagnosis and management of hematogical diseases.

MR finally presented Ms. Rebecca Dai a souvenir – a traditional Kashmiri shawl in appreciation of her visit which Fariha Kamil draped over her shoulders. Rebecca was very appreciative of this gesture and finally departed on July 4th for Beijing, China.

May 18th was yet another memorable day in the annals of Metrics Research’s young history for it witnessed the launching of an executive clinical research professional training program under the auspices of Kriger Research Group International (Canada).

This course of 30 days duration is dedicated to clinical research professionals stemming from major research hospitals, such as Liaquat National Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital.

Dr. Farrukh Shahab, Head of Neurology and his capable team members are making significant headway enabling their department to be ICH GCP compliant.

A German multinational pharmaceutical concern, Bayer has taken a giant leap by including 3 of its seasoned medical affairs team members headed by Medical Director, Dr. Ahmed.
MR anticipates that the generation of trained professionals will favor induction of additional clinical trials (and foreign exchange) to the country enabling cutting edge treatment modalities to be introduced thereby bridging the significant technological divide vis-à-vis pharmaceuticals that persists between the East and West.

Metrics Research’s CE and Dr. Amar Kureishi, VP and Head of Medical Affairs Asia-Pacific, Bayer HealthCare shared their views on a bright future ahead for Pakistan vis-à-vis clinical trials research opportunities.

Dr. Kureishi was accompanied by Director of Medical Affairs of Bayer Healthcare -Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Ahmad and two of his associates.

MR’s students enrolled in Certified Clinical Research Courses expressed their keen interest zestfully by barraging Dr. Kureishi with lots of articulate questions regarding induction of clinical trials to their country and queried about the delay in arrival of new clinical trials to their country.

Dr. Kureishi prudently responded that his company like other Pharma and CROs wanted to test the waters and evaluate Pakistan’s capacity and capability before embarking in other therapeutic areas.

Later that afternoon impressed with his brief stay at Metrics Research’s Head office; Dr. Kureishi assisted MR CE hand out nicely crafted attaché portfolio bags to all of the CCRP students.

Dr. Izharul Haq, CEO of Cardiovascular Modeling Research Laboratory (CMRL) based out of Abu Dhabi visited Metrics Research head office and its research cells and sites.

Dr. Izhar expressed appreciation with Metrics Research services and commitment for promoting Clinical Trials in Pakistan. He was of the opinion that Pakistan has the right milieu for significant clinical research and looks forward to working with MR on a novel medical device research study which could significantly reduce incidences of cardiovascular disease associated with lipids.

He later addressed students of MR’s Certified Clinical Research Program (CCRP) leading toward competency in ICH-GCP about nanotechnology and the way of the future. He advised students to be proactive and not be book centered rather be enterprising like most success stories such as Bill Gates or Steve Jobs to name a few.

CE of Metrics Research and Dr. Izharul Haq signed an MOU for joint collaboration. It is truly a scintillating moment in the annals of Pakistan’s 60 year history where breakthrough technologies may surface to lessen the burden of disease.
MR looks forward to attracting more business for Pakistan’s benefit.

Metrics Research joined hands with Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology (PSCO) on 18th February, 2007 at the 13th Oncology Congress held at Regents Plaza in Karachi.

Realizing MR’s potential as a focused CRO, PSCO entrusted all oncology trials to managed and conducted under the adept supervision of MR.

The trust and faith between the two organizations was exhibited in the PSCO stall that featured at the Congress.

As a token of appreciation MR offered scholarships worth Rs. 100,000 to the benevolent members of Oncology Society.

Dr. Ahmed Usman, VP of PSCO and CE of MR expressed confidence in their partnership.

Metrics Research arouses the attention of Ministry of Labor and Manpower and a distinguished panel of government and non-government officials about the phenomenal growth in Clinical Research world-wide. Pakistan could potentially be the next major hub of clinical research in the region. Pakistan has the desired profile and a valuable human resources capital to create a NEW job market for our college graduates both locally and internationally where they can and are already making a mark for themselves.

The time is ripe and the time is now. The next blockbuster cancer drug could come from Pakistan. On a first note Metrics Research in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Manpower will offer training sessions at select locations nationwide on a variety of specialized clinical research professional training programs.

Verum and MR hit it off at breakfast:

It was a ‘fraternal’ union of experts hailing from two continents; both Christian Sacher and CE of Metrics Research toasted over breakfast their shared vision and objectives of promoting Clinical Research in Pakistan. On a high note ♫ this was the first Intercontinental (EU-Pakistan CRO engagement).

Verum is a first class CRO based out of Germany. Mr. Sacher is CEO and was accompanied by the congenial Jutta Minkner (CFO) who was thrilled about the opportunities Pakistan presented.

At the conclusion of this wonderful meeting CE of Metrics Research delighted both honorable guests with traditional Sindhi ‘ajrak’ shawls and multicolored bouquets of fragrant flowers.Metrics Research extends out its arm to the international community of clinical research with its paramount vision that in ‘sharing’ there is synergy.

Heralding yet another milestone – Inauguration of Metrics Research Cell II at LNH, Karachi on Jan -, 2006.

Dr. Farrukh Shahab Khan, Dr. Altaf, Mr. H. Hanif and Dr. Malik were all present at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the second Metrics Research cell at Liaqt National Hospital in Karachi

Both organizations hailed this as a major development in Pakistan’s history marking the introduction of clinical research trials to the region from across the globe.

This effort of Metrics Research is appreciated by Dr. Farrukh Shahab and Dr. H. Hanif.

KRGI- CA’s Certified Clinical Research Professional Course (CCRP) commences at BTIHS&BDC.

Dr. Tahir Shamsi, pioneer of bone marrow transplantation in Pakistan inaugurated the FIRST ever Certified Clinical Research Professional Course (CCRP) at the premises of Bismillah Taqee Institute of Health Sciences and Blood Diseases (BTIHS&BDC) on Nov 17,2006.

The aim is to produce an indigenous group of trained and certified clinical research professionals who will be able to conduct clinical research as per International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The first batch is composed of Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Lab technicians.

KRGI- CA’s Certified Clinical Research Professional Course (CCRP) commences at BTIHS&BDC.

Dr. Tahir Shamsi, pioneer of bone marrow transplantation in Pakistan inaugurated the FIRST ever Certified Clinical Research Professional Course (CCRP) at the premises of Bismillah Taqee Institute of Health Sciences and Blood Diseases (BTIHS&BDC) on Nov 17,2006.

The aim is to produce an indigenous group of trained and certified clinical research professionals who will be able to conduct clinical research as per International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The first batch is composed of Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Lab technicians.

Kriger Group is also a global network of institutions connected by common aims and areas of interest. Now its Came in to Pakistan with collaboration of Metrics Research (Pvt.) Ltd. Mr. Bashir Zaidi (Marketing Director) sing agreement with Ms. Ana Barak (Head of KRGI Inc) for the exclusivity for the Central Asia region.

Kriger Research Group International – Central Asia (KRGI-CA) launched at Health Asia with full fervor.

In the month of August 2006, Metrics Research joined hands with Kriger Research Group International, Canada (KRGI) to introduce Canadian Certified Diploma Courses for the very first time in Pakistan.

To mark this auspicious moment, Metrics Research in collaboration with its partners offered scholarships worth 1.2 million rupees.

Hundreds of professionals and students thronged Metrics Research’s stall. Prominent figures such as Professor Masood Hameed (Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences and Dr. Altaf of Ziauddin Hospital were exceptionally pleased with the vision and mission of Metrics Research.

GCP and Biostatistics Course at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi held on Sep -, 2006.

This event was truly very informative considering the wealth of knowledge that was shared by an eminent panel of industry specialists and instructors in just two days.
Thirty clinical professionals including professors attended this very interactive event.

Co-hosted by Health Asia and Metrics Research, this event was honored by the distinguished presence of:

• Dr. Pedro of Biotechnology Center, Havana, Cuba
• Dr. Qasim Iftikhar, Consultant Pharmaceutical Medicine, UK
• Dr. Tajamul Hussain, General Manager, Medical Services and ...Regulatory Affairs,

MERCK MARKER
• Dr. Asghar Naqvi, Medical Director, Pfizer Laboratories Limited
• Dr. Zakiuddin Ahmad, Medical Director, MACTER International
• Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Chairman, Dept. of Biotechnology, KU
All participants took assessment tests and also took active part in workshops. All successful candidates were awarded KRGI-CA certificates.

Metrics and the clinical research team of GSK set aim on the pins at Area 51 Bowling alley in Defense, Karachi amid the team building efforts of both organizations. In working together and complementation both organizations are favored to succeed.

Mr. Muhammad Asif of Metrics Research scored highest in Bowling Competition while Dr. Tauseef and Dr. Faisal from GSK shared 2nd position.

Oncologists laud Biostatistics course held at Regent Plaza, Karachi on June-,2006

An introduction to Biostatistics and its relevance to Clinical research was successfully presented by Mr. Iqbal Mujtaba of Metrics Research on – June, 2006.

An understanding of Biostatistics for clinical researchers greatly enriches investigators in medical writing. Metrics Research’s aim is to empower Pakistani physicians in ICH GCP guidelines.