
We’re powering innovation in pediatric clinical trial design and implementation—because half isn’t whole.
The RACE Act: Your next steps start here
70% of the medicines given to children have only been studied in adults, and the majority of drugs used in children today are used off-label, without an adequate understanding of appropriate dose, safety, or efficacy.
Our industry is still guessing the clinical needs of children by settling for a fraction of what works in adults. We’re changing that.
Read what it’s like being a sick kid in a grown-up world.Unparalleled pediatric expertise built on a foundation of analytics, partnerships, and experience.
Pediatric Patients
13,000+Sites
6,500+Clinical Studies
135+Non-Clinical Projects
45+At the Center for Pediatric Clinical Development, we have the unparalleled expertise and resources needed to run exceptional pediatric trials from start to finish. From our site network which allows us to consult with other global pediatric experts and easily recruit patients and our internal inter-departmental pediatric collaboration group to our extensive global pediatric regulatory understanding, we’ve tapped into the world’s best pediatric experts across the board to deliver pediatric-focused insights across all aspects of a clinical trial.
We help our clients save time and resources by determining the feasibility and effectiveness of pediatric studies at every phase of a program. Our global experience allows us to develop and execute country-specific, customized recruitment and retention initiatives to help study teams meet or exceed goals.
As a part of our commitment to lead the way in pediatric research, we established our Pediatric Site Network (PSN). PSN is a select group of internationally recognized pediatric centers and medical professionals from around the globe that share the common goal of bringing innovation to pediatric clinical design. Together, we are bringing new treatment options and access to novel medicines to the global pediatric patient population.
Improving pediatric patient engagement.
Age-appropriate and culturally sensitive health resources help patients feel informed and remain engaged. That’s why we partnered with Jumo, an award-winning provider of educational content, and their clinical trial resources, to provide engaging content that transforms the patient experience.

Guiding pediatric studies through today’s complex regulatory landscape.
Testing drugs in children presents considerable scientific, clinical, ethical, technical, and logistical challenges. Lack of incentives for companies to develop and test drugs, lack of necessary technology to monitor these patients and assay very small amounts of blood, and lack of suitable infrastructure have all discouraged the testing of drugs in pediatric populations. Today, several legislative initiatives are in place to provide incentives or to require study plans in the pediatric population.
See how we’re navigating today’s complex regulatory environment in pediatric studies.Our People

Mark Sorrentino, MD, MS
Vice President, Center for Vaccine Research and Center for Pediatric Clinical Development
Dr. Mark Sorrentino has 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Prior to joining PRA, Dr. Sorrentino spent five years as the global chair and founder of the pediatric practice area at a leading CRO, overseeing all aspects of strategy and pediatric clinical development, as well as the global therapeutic head of critical care. An active medical team member of Team Rubicon, Dr. Sorrentino sits on a variety of advisory boards, including Maryland Responds, and also serves on the board of directors for the CMR Institute, and two Enpr-EMA Working Groups.
He also sits on the advisory board of Curesearch for Children’s Cancer, which has a goal of providing knowledge about pediatric research related to cancer and to fund young researchers in their quest to develop new therapies. Dr. Sorrentino is a founding member of the AAP Council on Children and Disasters, which looks for ways to ensure that the medical community, families, caregivers, and children are prepared for natural and manmade disasters.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
“The ability to influence policies and design clinical trials for our most vulnerable, and often neglected, populations continues to be my motivation and inspiration. After spending many years in clinical practice, first as a pediatric critical care nurse and subsequently as a pediatric critical care physician, it was astounding that the vast majority of our therapeutics (over 90% of those used in the PICU) had no labelled indication in children, and many had never undergone any type of randomized trial in this medically fragile population. I decided to change my focus and set out to make a difference in the lives of many by working toward a day where the drugs and biologics used in children have been studied for safety and efficacy in those children.”

Jacqui Whiteway, PhD, BSc
Pediatric Strategy Liaison, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development, Senior Director, Scientific Affairs
Jacqui brings more than 18 years of experience in the clinical research industry to her current role as Senior Pediatric Strategy Liaison in the Center for Pediatric Clinical Development. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry, a BSc in Biochemistry/Biotechnology and her experience includes service as a Postdoctoral Fellow in cancer genomics at BC Cancer Agency, as well as a Research Scientist at a small clinical phase biotechnology company. She has experience in data management leading projects in multiple therapeutic areas, including for pivotal oncology and pediatric neurology trials. During her 10 years in Feasibility at PRA, she conducted and oversaw more than 300 feasibility studies for countless therapeutic areas and indications, ultimately leading the global team of doctoral level scientists and specialists before joining the CPCD. Jacqui’s passion for clinical trial planning arises from the strong need to understand and devise the optimal approach for conducting challenging studies, particularly for pediatric populations, and with a special interest in small biotech. In her current role, Jacqui provides technical and strategic expertise to sponsors and internal teams to address the unique challenges of pediatric studies.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"I firmly believe that we have an obligation to protect the vulnerable in our society while also investing in our future, and being smart about it. Pediatric clinical research is both challenging and rewarding. It requires keeping abreast of the science, being flexible and adaptable, and applying creative and innovative solutions for optimal clinical trial planning, which I thrive on."

Dr. Martine Dehlinger-Kremer, PhD, MS
Vice President, Scientific Affairs, Pediatric Subject Matter Expert, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development
Dr. Dehlinger-Kremer’s expertise spans more than 30 years in the research industry, including 29 years of experience in regulatory, medical affairs, and pediatric leadership. Prior to joining PRA, she served in several executive leadership roles at global CROs, and has experience in global drug development in more than 40 countries. She has contributed hands-on to the global development of numerous products, including medicines for children and drugs for orphan diseases and biosimilars. Her vision and leadership extend to service with a number of professional organizations – she is an observer member of the Coordinating Group of the European Network of Pediatric Research (Enpr-EMA) at the European Medicines Agency, chair of the Pediatric Working Group and also President of the European CRO Federation (EUCROF), serves as the chair of European Forum for Good Clinical Practice (EFGCP) Children Medicines Working Party, and is active in the International Children’s Advisory Network (iCAN). In 2015, Dr. Dehlinger-Kremer was named one of PharmaVOICE’s 100 Most Inspiring People in Life Sciences.
What inspires you to work in pediatric research?
"I’ve always felt a bond with children and their playful, inspiring, sincere, and trusting spirit. Working in pediatric clinical research provides the opportunity to contribute to the development of better medicines for children who really need them and deserve them. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping families find an appropriate clinical trial or identifying the best center for their child’s condition."

Josephine Dewhurst
Director, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development, Pediatric Strategic Liaison Officer
Jo joined PRA in 2012 in the Global Regulatory Affairs group, working as a global regulatory lead on global clinical trials, including a number of pediatric trials. She has been working in the CRO industry for the past 19 years, starting in pre-clinical development and moving into Global Regulatory Affairs in 2004. She also spent 18 months as the Investigator Contracts Manager, dealing with site contracts and budgets.
At PRA, Jo is continuing to develop her interest in pediatric drug development. She has a strong interest in Informed Consent and Assent content, which she expanded on by joining the European Network of Pediatric Research at the European Medicines Agency (EnprEMA) Working Group, which is tasked with developing improved pediatric information sheets and assent documents.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Anatomy and a Law degree and Diploma in Law.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"My goal is to improve treatment options available for children by thinking outside the standard pathways to help make clinical trials more patient friendly and participation more accessible. I also believe we have a duty to make clinical trials more understandable through the development and use of appropriate patient materials that focus on the patient needs. This, in turn, will help everyone bring more treatment options to market for children."

Missy Hansen, MSN, APRN, PNP
Pediatric Strategy Liaison, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development
Missy brings to PRA 26 years of experience as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, working the first 18 years in primary care with pediatric patients and the last 17 years until December 2019 at Children’s MN, which provided the largest hematology oncology care in her five state region. Missy cared for patients throughout their journey from diagnosis to end of therapy and follow up and sometimes end of life. Nurse practitioners at Missy’s site cared for these patients in all settings including outpatient, inpatient and urgent care. Missy remains dedicated to the specific patient population by maintaining a nationally recognized certification in the field of pediatric hematology oncology.
Missy and her team were extremely dedicated to the impact and improved outcomes that trials offered to patients. The hospital recognized their efforts, realizing that patients were likely to have better outcomes when enrolled on an oncology trial. As a result, the hospital’s executive leadership approved staff to care for newly diagnosed young adults into their twenties for inpatient and outpatient needs throughout therapy. In the best interest of the adult patients, a collaborative arrangement was made with the adult internist/family medicine team from the nearby adult hospital to collaboratively care for the unique needs of this special patient population.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"I’m inspired by better outcomes. It’s something I’ve lived for the last 17 years—making diagnoses, searching for available trials, and following families and protocols every step of the way. My number one priority was making sure families knew that the trial was there to help support appropriate care and direct treatment toward the identified outcome. It was crucial to work in alignment with the patient and family and be cognizant that whatever we did was for the patient and not ‘to’ them and to have ongoing dialogue regarding that frequently."

Kirsten Sherman Cervati, BA, CCRP
Senior Director, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development and Lead of PRA’s Global Pediatric Site Network
Kirsten provides PRA with over 20 years of experience in the industry, having held operations and leadership positions at Duke Clinical Research Institute, Neeman Medical International, and PPD, where she spent many years leading global teams in the conduct of protocol and site feasibility, strategic site partnerships, as well as clinical trial management system administration. She is a fierce advocate for children’s healthcare and rights in both her professional and personal life, being involved in the International Children’s Advisory Network (iCAN) as both an External Advisory Board Member and Parent Council Chair.
What inspires you to work in pediatric research?
"I’m driven to educate more people to the fact that treatments given to pediatric patients have only been tested in about 30% of cases, which is unacceptable. I can also relate to the uncertainty of an unknown prognosis and the challenges of a life-threatening, chronic disease, because my family has faced them as well. I gain inspiration from both my work and daily life, with the goal of improving young lives however I can."

Johnny Peppers, PhD
Executive Director, Center for Global Drug Development and Center for Pediatric Clinical Development
Dr. Johnny Peppers has a BS in biology, an MS in biology and statistics, a PhD in genetics, and a mini-MBA in pharmaceutical development. As part of the Center for Global Drug Development team, Dr. Peppers’ expertise lies in both adult and pediatric studies, including Phases I, II, and III drug development, as well as target identification and validation. Additionally, Dr. Peppers has therapeutic expertise in immunology, autoimmune disease, dermatology, immuno-oncology, respiratory, and genetic diseases.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"Without a doubt, significant unmet need. There has been a gross under- representation of pediatric drug development due to lack of financial motivation and increased difficulty/costs associated with development. There’s a belief that if a drug works and is safe in adults, then why bother? I want to help change that."

Heather Peterson, RN, BSN
Pediatric Strategy Liaison, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development
Heather brings to PRA the sincere, genuine compassion that comes from personally caring for patients. She is a registered nurse that began her nursing career caring for patients suffering with neurocognitive disorders. It was during this time she realized more than ever the depth and passion she had advocating for patients and families and helping them navigate a new disease process and being a voice for and with them. She began her career in research as a cardiovascular research nurse, then became a lead clinical research coordinator before finding her home with the CPCD. She generously gives her personal time and professional expertise to organizations including the University of Nevada Reno IRB Scientific Committee, Donor Network West, Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, Washoe County Medical Reserve Corp, and St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"I’m inspired by young patients and their families who will do whatever it takes to regain health or find treatments. This alone stirs a desire to provide viable treatment options that limit secondary illnesses or adverse effects in children. There are limited approved treatment options designed for children; my role with the CPCD and the changes we are incorporating into clinical trial design equates to children having safe, clinically approved treatment options."
Harris Dalrymple, PhD (Med), PhD (Law)
Executive Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs, Vice-Chair, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development
Harris’ near 40-year career includes experience in academia teaching pharmacology and conducting cardiorespiratory assessments on patients, as well as in preclinical, clinical development, and development operations within the biopharmaceutical industry. He’s been involved in pediatric trials since 1999 and helped support the formation of PRA’s pediatric working group. Since 2017, Harris has served as Executive Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs and Vice-Chair of the Center for Pediatric Clinical Development. He has a BSc in Pharmacology, a Master’s in Medical Law & Ethics, and PhDs in both Medicine and Law. Outside of PRA, Harris is a lecturer for a British Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine course and continues to publish book chapters and articles on a variety of clinical research topics, including pediatric assent/dissent, GDPR, consent in vulnerable populations, and post-trial access to drugs.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"I believe in doing things right the first time—and on time—to reduce the consequences and impact of manageable conditions in children by quickly reaching the correct decisions regarding new drugs. My background helps me ensure that PRA supports our clients in the proper conduct of pediatric trials of new medicines."
Aparna Parikh, MD
Executive Director, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development & Country Consultant for India
For over 14 years, Dr. Aparna Parikh has brought her pediatric and CRO expertise to PRA. She is a part of the Center for Pediatric Clinical Development that provides scientific and therapeutic expertise for global pediatric clinical trials. Dr. Parikh also serves as the primary contact for Therapeutic Expertise in India. She works closely with the local Clinical Operations team to develop and conduct feasibility studies and provide support in developing and maintaining positive relations with key opinion leaders, study institutions, clients, professional societies, and regulatory authority. Her specialties lie in pediatrics, including indications in infectious diseases, neurology, metabolic disorders, ophthalmology, oncology, immunology, and cardiology. She has worked with over 200 sites, including major tertiary care centers across India. Dr. Parikh also serves as honorary consultant at a large Pediatric Hospital in Mumbai and is a member of the Ethics Committee of the National Institute of Immunohematology, Indian Council of Medical Research.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"Despite improved regulations in pediatric clinical research, children are still not entirely part of drug development plans. I want to be part of exciting pediatric research discoveries that lead to better treatment for childhood disease and illnesses and improve the lives of children, especially those with chronic and often debilitating diseases."
Jami Thompson
Senior Pediatric Site Network Specialist, Center for Pediatric Clinical Development
After many years in the financial industry, Jami’s career path changed when he joined PRA and entered the clinical research field 14 years ago. The majority of Jami’s time at PRA has been dedicated to feasibility efforts. This has allowed her to see and become a part of significant changes in the clinical trial landscape. Jami is thrilled to bring her experience to the Center for Pediatric Clinical Development and apply it to supporting the relationships being built with pediatric centers through PRA’s Pediatric Site Network.
What inspires you to work in pediatric clinical research?
"Pediatric research supports vulnerable populations that often cannot speak for themselves. I want to be part of something that ensures safe trials for this vulnerable population."
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