START Center
Networked early‑phase oncology research organization operating dedicated Phase I units across the US and Europe and a translational preclinical division with a large patient‑derived xenograft (PDX) and organoid platform. Offers centralized trial start‑up and regulatory coordination, investigational drug services and controlled storage, on‑site clinical laboratory and pharmacokinetic processing, clinical data management, and digital patient/clinician engagement tools. Preclinical services include PDX model curation, efficacy and PK/PD studies, molecular characterization and radiopharmaceutical imaging support. START Lisbon (established 2022 in collaboration with Hospital de Santa‑Maria, CHLN) provides a regional early‑phase unit in Portugal and access to local patient populations; site reports 4,900 new cancer patients in 2024.
Industries
Nr. of Employees
large (251-1000)
START Center
4383 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
Products
Early Phase Clinical Trials
Conducts early phase (Phase I) clinical trials to evaluate novel anti-cancer agents in patients with advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
Preclinical Oncology Research and Protocol Execution
Provides preclinical oncology research services including protocol design, execution, and study monitoring to support early drug development.
Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Model Development and Access
Develops and provides access to patient-derived xenograft models sourced from clinical specimens to support preclinical drug testing and translational research.
Clinical Trial Site Network and Site Management
Operates a global network of clinical trial sites specializing in oncology research, providing site management and patient recruitment for early phase trials.
Strategic Partnerships for Expanding Clinical Trial Access
Forms partnerships with community oncology practices and networks to expand patient access to early phase oncology clinical trials.
Early Phase Clinical Trials
Conducts early phase (Phase I) clinical trials to evaluate novel anti-cancer agents in patients with advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
Preclinical Oncology Research and Protocol Execution
Provides preclinical oncology research services including protocol design, execution, and study monitoring to support early drug development.
Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Model Development and Access
Develops and provides access to patient-derived xenograft models sourced from clinical specimens to support preclinical drug testing and translational research.
Clinical Trial Site Network and Site Management
Operates a global network of clinical trial sites specializing in oncology research, providing site management and patient recruitment for early phase trials.
Strategic Partnerships for Expanding Clinical Trial Access
Forms partnerships with community oncology practices and networks to expand patient access to early phase oncology clinical trials.
Services
Managed Phase I/early‑phase clinical trial sites across multiple international locations staffed with investigators and research personnel, with centralized coordination and start‑up services.
On‑site investigational pharmacy services including aseptic containment, controlled‑temperature storage and secure medication handling for investigational products.
Same‑day clinical testing and specialized PK specimen processing with certified shipping capabilities and controlled‑temperature storage.
Centralized regulatory affairs and ethics review coordination, rapid IRB/ethics turnaround and coordinated contract and budget negotiation across the network.
Data entry, query resolution and monitoring support with experience across multiple EDC platforms and remote monitoring capabilities.
Online platform to improve trial awareness and streamline referral pathways between patients, clinicians and trial sites.
Managed Phase I/early‑phase clinical trial sites across multiple international locations staffed with investigators and research personnel, with centralized coordination and start‑up services.
On‑site investigational pharmacy services including aseptic containment, controlled‑temperature storage and secure medication handling for investigational products.
Same‑day clinical testing and specialized PK specimen processing with certified shipping capabilities and controlled‑temperature storage.
Centralized regulatory affairs and ethics review coordination, rapid IRB/ethics turnaround and coordinated contract and budget negotiation across the network.
Data entry, query resolution and monitoring support with experience across multiple EDC platforms and remote monitoring capabilities.
Online platform to improve trial awareness and streamline referral pathways between patients, clinicians and trial sites.
Expertise Areas
- Early‑phase oncology clinical trials
- Clinical trial site network operations and rapid start‑up
- Investigational drug services and controlled storage
- On‑site clinical laboratory testing and PK workflows
Key Technologies
- Patient‑derived xenograft (PDX) models
- Tumor organoids
- DNA/RNA sequencing and molecular characterization
- Electronic data capture (EDC) platforms
News & Updates
Launch of a digital patient and physician platform that connects stakeholders to the network of oncology clinical trials.
Site involvement in dosing the first U.S. participant in a Phase I study evaluating an mRNA pan‑tumor antigen therapy candidate.
Investigator‑authored phase 1 clinical trial publication referenced on the organization publications page.
Clinical pharmacology study authored by site investigators and listed on the publications page.
Launch of a digital patient and physician platform that connects stakeholders to the network of oncology clinical trials.
Site involvement in dosing the first U.S. participant in a Phase I study evaluating an mRNA pan‑tumor antigen therapy candidate.
Investigator‑authored phase 1 clinical trial publication referenced on the organization publications page.
Clinical pharmacology study authored by site investigators and listed on the publications page.