Optima Clinical, an African-owned and led Clinical Research Organization (CRO), has officially launched with a mission to transform clinical trials by providing cutting-edge biostatistics and data management services.
Based in Accra, Ghana, the organization aims to address the growing need for biostatistical expertise in drug development while overcoming the unique challenges of conducting trials in low-resource settings.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Yaw Asare-Aboagye, Founder and CEO of Optima Clinical, emphasized the importance of their work in filling critical gaps in the global clinical research landscape. “Despite the growing interest in clinical trials across Africa, many research organizations are scaling back due to reduced funding. We also know that conducting trials in low-resource settings presents unique challenges such as limited infrastructure and unreliable internet connectivity,” he said.
Optima Clinical seeks to close these gaps by offering tailored services to pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostic companies, as well as government agencies and Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) worldwide. The organization will provide biostatistical and data management solutions that enhance clinical datasets, supporting drug developers in accelerating access to better medications and improving patient outcomes.
In addition to technical expertise, Optima Clinical is dedicated to overcoming the logistical barriers of research in low-resource environments. The company’s solutions include offline data collection, real-time updates, and secure cloud-based storage to maintain data integrity under challenging conditions. According to Dr. Asare-Aboagye, these services are provided at a lower cost, ensuring that more funding can be directed toward the research itself. “In addition to our local expertise in navigating these challenges, we also provide high-quality services at lower cost, allowing more funding to be allocated directly to the research,” he added.
The rise in global health research has led to an increased demand for biostatistical support, particularly in the design, analysis, and interpretation of clinical trials. However, many research organizations are facing budget constraints and operational challenges, especially in regions like Africa where infrastructure is often limited. Optima Clinical’s services are designed to mitigate these issues and enable faster, more reliable trial outcomes.
Vesta Mantey, Head of Data Management at Optima Clinical, highlighted the organization’s focus on timely and accurate data delivery. “We’re drawing on our deep experience and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to ensure that trial data is delivered reliably, accurately, and on time— because, ultimately, our goal is to get life-saving treatments to patients faster,” she said.
Optima Clinical is also committed to building local capacity through its Data Management University initiative. This program will train and mentor data management professionals in low-resource countries, contributing to the development of the next generation of clinical research leaders.
As the demand for biostatistics and data management continues to grow in the healthcare industry, Optima Clinical stands poised to lead in both Africa and globally. By combining local expertise, innovative solutions, and a commitment to capacity building, the organization hopes to improve the landscape of clinical trials and bring better treatments to patients around the world.
