RALEIGH, North Carolina, October 26 /PRNewswire/ -- PRA International, a leading Clinical Research Organization, announces that its Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Early Development Services, Christian Reh, MD, PhD will host an audio conference about the importance of special patient population studies in global drug development. These studies can be required for NDA filing and they can provide valuable information on interpretation of clinical data generated in product registration trials. Dr. Reh will discuss the strategic role special patient population studies play in global drug development.

Dr. Reh has nearly 20 years of experience in early drug development with particular expertise in first-in-man, first-in-patient, and special population studies. Based in PRA's Berlin office, Dr. Reh oversees all scientific and clinical operations for PRA's Early Development Services in Central and Eastern Europe.

PRA's Early Development Services team in Central and Eastern Europe focuses on phase I and IIa trials in a variety of different patient populations through its innovative virtual phase I business model. This model brings the Clinical Pharmacology Unit to the patients, essentially establishing a phase I environment in medical centers that treat the targeted patient population. Through successfully conducting more than 170 studies in a variety of different patient populations over the last 18 years, PRA's has developed a network of hospitals, clinics, investigators, and referring specialists who have proven access to patients. In addition, as a part of this model, PRA operates a separate 8-bed phase I unit within a nephrology clinic in Prague.

The presentation is scheduled for 29 October 2009 at 11:30 AM (EDT). For additional information and to register, please navigate to www.praintl.com and click on Events under the News and Events heading.

About PRA International

PRA International conducts clinical trials in more than 75 countries across 6 continents and provides services through all phases of clinical development. PRA performs studies in all therapeutic areas, with specialization in Oncology, Neurosciences, Respiratory/Allergy, Cardiovascular and Infectious Diseases. PRA has supported over 2,100 clinical trials through its 36 plus global offices.

PRA's therapeutic expertise, global reach and project experience, combined with extensive local knowledge and our differentiating PERSONAL ELEMENT enable our project teams to deliver consistent and on time performance for our clients. This unique PRA philosophy - THE PERSONAL ELEMENT - recognizes that true client service comes only from trained, empowered and dedicated employees who are encouraged to use innovation and their personal commitment to accelerate the development lifecycle.

To learn more about PRA International, please visit www.PRAinternational.com, email Endpoints@PRAintl.com or call our Global Headquarters at +1-919-786-8200.

SOURCE: PRA International

CONTACT: Roger Boutin, Director of Marketing of PRA International, Inc.,+1-434-951-3924