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As the seasons shift, we’re excited to share what’s been happening here at New Zealand Clinical Research. In this edition, you’ll find updates on our focus on quality throughout the organisation, celebrate positive outcomes from recent studies, and we share changes implemented that you have asked for. From ongoing investment in participant safety and smarter research, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes – all driven by our commitment to making clinical research more accessible for everyone. |
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Here’s what we’ve got lined up for you this season:
Please get in touch if you are interested in any of the trials featured in the newsletter. |
We are currently looking for participants for these trials
IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT QUALIFY, REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY! |
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AZTEC Study |
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New Zealand Clinical Research is trialling an investigational medicine that could help people with inflammatory bowel disease. The investigational medicine, AVT80, may help people with inflammatory bowel disease by reducing interactions in the gastrointestinal tract that cause inflammation.
Study Visits: 3-night stay + 25 clinic visits Our clinical trials involve an investigational drug and some study assessments. LEARN MORE |
STELLAR Study |
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| NZCR is trialling an investigational medicine that could help people with obesity.
Worldwide obesity and type 2 diabetes are growing global health concerns with significant individual and healthcare system impacts. Lifestyle changes is the primary management, but maintaining weight loss is challenging.
Study Visits: 2-night stay + 15 clinic visits Our clinical trials involve an investigational drug and some study assessments. LEARN MORE |
ESSENCE Study |
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NZCR is trialling an investigational medicine that could help people with acne inversa. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Current treatment options include wound care and management of the pain and itching.
Study Visits: 1-night stay + 8 clinic visits Our clinical trials involve an investigational drug and some study assessments. LEARN MORE |
FINCH Study |
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| New Zealand Clinical Research is currently recruiting for a new investigational medication, ABI-1179, aimed at suppressing recurrent genital herpes caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2).
This sexually transmitted infection, which affects approximately 15% of New Zealanders and has no current cure, and can lead to painful genital blisters or ulcers.
Study Visits: 10 clinic visits. No overnight stays required. Our clinical trials involve an investigational drug and some study assessments. LEARN MORE |
Advancing Global Health: Positive Outcomes from NZCR Studies
Clinical research is often a marathon, not a sprint. So we get very excited when we hear a trial NZCR has been involved in is actively contributing to advancing global health. Here are 3 recent trials that have met regulatory approvals or have been presented on the world stage!
Significant Progress in Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
A drug investigated in NZCR’s FLAMINGO study for Cystic Fibrosis, RCT2100, received FDA Orphan Drug Designation, marking a major step forward in developing new treatments for this challenging genetic condition, with NZCR playing a crucial role in its early-phase trial.
Pioneering Gene Editing for Hereditary Angioedema
NZCR’s expertise in research of innovative gene editing technologies, including CRISPR, has been recognised through a publication in The New England Journal of Medicine regarding hereditary angioedema research. Read more here.
The significant contribution by NZCR participants to the UNIVERSE trial exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of science and bringing potentially life-changing gene therapies to patients worldwide.
Leading the Way in Hepatitis B Treatment
Professor Ed Gane represented NZCR at the APASL 2025 conference, showcasing the company’s leadership in testing early-phase development of chronic hepatitis B therapies and in fostering international collaborations in hepatology research. This underscores NZCR’s commitment to the global effort to eliminate viral hepatitis.
These successes are only possible because you have volunteered to be involved in research. Through strong collaboration and dedication to high-quality trial execution, together we continue to play a vital role in bringing hope and improved treatment options to patients around the world – THANK YOU!
In our Patient’s Words
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Many of our clinical studies involve testing potential new medications with both healthy volunteers and then people who have the condition the treatment is designed for. This is called an ‘umbrella’ study. Talita is trialing a potential new drug for her Myasthenia gravis condition. For her, it’s more than just a study, it’s a chance to try something new, contribute to future treatments, and be part of something bigger. |
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| 👉 Here’s what that experience has meant to her.
Take a look.
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Quality at NZCR: It’s a Mindset
At NZCR, excellence isn’t a goal we chase, it’s the foundation we build everything on. In clinical research, where safety and accuracy are critical, quality is not a box-ticking exercise. It’s essential.
Patient safety and data integrity are our two non-negotiables. Every clinical trial we run is guided by Good Clinical Practice (GCP), the global gold standard. But it goes beyond rules. Quality is something we live and breathe every day.
️That’s why we don’t just have quality processes, we have dedicated quality teams headed by Jan Gaskin, our Head of Quality.
Jan Gaskin – Head of Quality
Jan brings decades of global clinical research experience and leads our quality teams. Jan oversees our quality systems and audit, keeps us aligned with evolving standards, and ensures every project stays on track, safely and effectively at all our sites. The quality team’s work across every department, ensuring consistency, compliance, and care in everything we do.
Training. Oversight. Improvement.
We invest heavily in training, all designed to keep our teams sharp, current, and confident.
And when something goes wrong? We don’t just fix it—we find out why. Through internal audits, sponsor oversight, and detailed Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) plans, we solve the root of the issue, so it doesn’t happen again.
Quality Is Everyone’s Responsibility
At NZCR, quality is built into our culture. It’s in our systems, our people, our mindset. Because we know the stakes are high—and we’re proud to deliver research that’s as safe, accurate, and reliable as it can be.
Improving Your Experience
We regularly ask for feedback so as to see how we can develop our service to you. These suggestions allow us to improve your experience. Recently in Auckland we’ve implemented some changes based on this feedback.
Here’s a summary of what’s now in place:
- Fresh Nespresso coffee.
- New catering – freshly prepared lunches and hot evening meals from Cook and Butler.
- Upgraded cutlery and crockery – more café-style presentation.
- Toiletries, hairdryers and earplugs – on hand at the nurses stations, if you forget anything.
- Shower amenities – are being installed in all shower units.
We’ve also updated the daily menu display, which now features a stylised board showing the meals for the day and the week ahead. The menu offers a vegetarian option. Thanks for all your great ideas so far, and please continue to share your ideas so we can continue to improve your experience with us.
AUCKLAND/HAMILTON
NZCRAuckland 
nzcr_akl 
recruitment@nzcr.co.nz
KIND REGARDS
NZCR Participant Engagement Team
New Zealand Clinical Research Ltd.
0800 788 3437 | recruitment@nzcr.co.nz
