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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 |
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NZCR’s DAWN study is investigating a new inhaled medication, L608, for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare and progressive condition where individuals have high blood pressure that affects arteries in the lungs and in the heart. Current treatment requires frequent inhalation (every 2 hours while awake) with unpleasant side effects and inconsistent use.
Study Visits: 3-night stay + 2 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 |
HIBISCUS Study |
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| NZCR is looking for participants for an investigational medicine, BC-006, that could help people with obesity.
Obesity is a disease that is associated with a wide range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and some cancers. In New Zealand approximately 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 10 children are classified as obese. Lifestyle interventions are challenging to maintain.
Study Visits: 3-night stay + 8 clinic visits Our clinical trials involve an investigational drug and some study assessments. LEARN MORE |
MILFORD Study |
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| NZCR is currently recruiting for an investigational medicine with the potential to help individuals with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition where the immune system overproduces skin cells, leading to red, scaly patches and a significant impact on quality of life.
While psoriasis, which can be triggered by factors like infections, stress, and cold, it is often challenging to treat and currently has no cure or universally effective treatment.
Study Visits: 4-night stay + 13 clinic visits Our clinical trials involve an investigational drug and some study assessments. LEARN MORE |
IVY Study |
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| NZCR is conducting a pain tolerance study.
The tests are called cold pressor tests (CPT) which assess your pain tolerance by submerging your hand in cold water, comparing a pain medicine to a placebo.
Study Visits: 2 x 1-night stay + 1 clinic visit + 1 follow-up phone call Our clinical trials involve an investigational drug and some study assessments. LEARN MORE |
TWIST Study |
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| NZCR is investigating an investigational medicine called PX578 that is being developed to treat mitochondrial disease, a group of genetic disorders affecting the cell’s energy producers.
This study marks the first time PX578 will be tested in humans, and NZCR is currently seeking healthy volunteers to participate in this crucial initial phase of research.
Study Visits: 3-night stay + 1 clinic visit 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.
Expanding Access to Research: NZCR Group Opens New Facility in Christchurch
We’re growing—and bringing more trial opportunities to Christchurch!
Optimal Clinical Trials, part of the NZCR Group, is opening a brand-new late-phase clinical research facility in Christchurch soon. Housed in the same building as NZCR’s existing early-phase site, this expansion means a smoother, more connected experience for participants and sponsors alike.
What this means for participants:
If you’re based in Christchurch or the surrounding region, you’ll soon have greater access to cutting-edge clinical trials—with local support, experienced research teams, and the opportunity to contribute to global medical progress, all without needing to leave the city. Whether you’re interested in exploring potential new treatments or simply want to help advance science, we’re here to make the process welcoming and easy.
We’re excited to welcome our first participants to the new Christchurch facility soon. Stay tuned for updates!
CHRISTCHURCH / WELLINGTON
NZCRChristchurch 
nz_clinical_research_chc 
recruiter@nzcr.co.nz
KIND REGARDS
NZCR Participant Engagement Team
New Zealand Clinical Research Ltd.
0800 788 3437 | recruiter@nzcr.co.nz
