As we wrap up 2024, it’s the perfect time to look back at a year filled with exciting advancements, initiatives and milestones. From groundbreaking studies to impactful social responsibility efforts, this year has showcased what makes MAC special. Here are some of the highlights that made 2024 one to remember.
Connecting with you
This year, we took significant steps to connect with the wider clinical research community. One of the standout moments was the launch of our LinkedIn newsletter: MAC Clinical Research Insights.
We published four thought-provoking editions, which attracted over 8,500 views. Each issue tackled key topics like controlling the placebo effect, the challenges of participant recruitment, the future of decentralised trials, and the evolution of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s been fantastic to engage with so many of you through this platform.
We also introduced a brand-new corporate video series that shines a spotlight on our comprehensive range of services and capabilities. Featuring real MAC offices, laboratories, investigator sites and our incredible team, the videos offered an authentic look at what makes us unique.
Hello, Scotland!
A major milestone this year was the acquisition of Intelligent Clinical, a Glasgow-based investigator site specialising in Phase II–IV trials. Intelligent Clinical brought with them a wealth of clinical and scientific expertise and integrating this expertise into the MAC network has further expanded our capabilities and reach within the UK.
Big news for MAC lab services
Our laboratory services reached new heights with full accreditation under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Monitoring Scheme. This certification enables us to conduct GLP-compliant studies and not only allows us to expand into the preclinical space but also reaffirms the high quality of work delivered by our dedicated team. We are also thrilled to announce that we were awarded our first laboratory services trials in 2024, including our first study involving pharmacokinetics (PK).
Pioneering in psychedelic research
MAC continues to lead in psychedelic and dissociative drug studies, with 15 studies conducted to date and extensive experience across substances like Psilocybin, Deuterated DMT, and LSD. Our specialised facilities feature secure, relaxing environments with overnight capabilities and private rooms to minimise psychological distress, while in-house psychiatrists, therapists, and trained facilitators ensure patient safety throughout.
From dosing 50mg of Psilocybin and Deuterated DMT to becoming the first UK facility to dose subjects with LSD twice within a three-week period, our expertise in this area continues to grow.
Breaking new ground in Parkinson’s research
In collaboration with Kariya Pharmaceuticals, we celebrated the successful completion of the single ascending dose phase for KP405, a groundbreaking drug candidate for Parkinson’s disease. This first-in-human trial is a pivotal step in developing a dual incretin receptor agonist designed to slow disease progression. We’re eagerly anticipating the multiple ascending dose phase scheduled for 2025 and are proud to play a role in advancing this potentially life-changing treatment.
Transforming biometrics with new leadership and in-house expertise
2024 saw the successful restructuring of our Biometrics Leadership team, which now oversees a fully in-house service covering data management, medical writing, statistics and statistical programming. This transformation ensures seamless integration and higher quality outcomes for our Sponsors, enabling us to provide end-to-end solutions entirely under one roof.
Enhancing patient safety with in-house medical monitoring
This year, MAC introduced in-house medical monitoring as part of our commitment to ensuring patient safety in every trial we conduct. Our Medical Affairs Team plays a key role in overseeing the medical monitoring of trials, developing a comprehensive medical monitoring plan at trial start-up, and maintaining it through regular reviews and updates as new safety information arises.
Supported by our Director of Early Phase Research, the team acts as expert references for investigator sites, ensures consistency across multiple sites through regular medical meetings, and provides full lifecycle monitoring support. With extensive experience in clinical trials, this in-house capability strengthens our ability to conduct novel and complex studies across all trial phases while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Making a difference
At MAC, giving back is part of who we are. At the end of 2023 we asked all our employees to cast their vote in a poll to select their charity of choice. Andys Man Club (AMC) won the greatest number of votes and became MAC’s Charity of the Year 2024.
AMC is a suicide prevention charity that runs free to attend, peer to peer support groups for men over the age of 18 with the aim of eliminating the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and to reinforce that ‘it’s okay to talk’. We are very proud to share that our contributions and support for AMC placed us in the top 5% of fundraisers on JustGiving.
We also achieved new milestones in sustainability. This year we issued our first ever Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and Report along with receiving a bronze medal from EcoVadis. This marks our first year receiving recognition from EcoVadis, and we are proud to have placed in the top 70th percentile globally.
Joining the UN Global Compact displayed our commitment to aligning with globally accepted principles of sustainability and human rights. And with a strategy to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions now in place, we’re looking forward to making even greater strides in 2025.
Looking forward to 2025
As we say goodbye to 2024, we’re so proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited for what’s ahead. Here’s to an even brighter 2025 – we can’t wait to share what’s next!
You can find out more about MAC and get in touch with us here.
