Investigational Drug Services at UPMC

Investigational Drug Services (IDS) is the research pharmacy for UPMC. We provide support to investigators, clinical research coordinators, study monitors, and other staff looking to initiate and maintain studies. Our primary role is the fulfillment and accountability of clinical trial products. Our department also helps facilitate setting up studies to ensure clinical trials are done according to protocol.

Contact Us

Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Address:

Investigational Drug Services at UPMC
UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside Hospital, Presbyterian Campus
3459 Fifth Ave.
Suite E626
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Email: PHARMIDS@upmc.edu
Phone: 412-647-3178
Spectralink Phone: 412-864-3270
Fax: 412-647-9651

Services We Offer

Investigational Product Storage
- We offer several different storage options for investigational products. We can accommodate products that require room temperature, refrigerated (4-8°C), and freezer (-20° and -80°) storage. All products are monitored by redundant temperature monitoring, with temperature excursion alerts sent directly to all pharmacy staff. Pharmacists are on call to move product to back-up storage locations.
Inpatient and outpatient dispensing
Coordination with clinical research coordinators
Product procurement and receiving
Patient specific accountability and sponsor accountability
Meetings with sponsor staff for site qualification, initiation, and close out visits
Special Services
- Blinding
- Randomization
- Special packaging including blister cards
- Compounding – sterile and nonsterile
- Shipping (limitations may apply under Pennsylvania law)
Consulting for logistics and protocols

Costs and Fees

Contact Jennifer Kozar by email at kozarje@upmc.edu for a cost estimate before submitting a protocol for approval by OSPARS or the IRB. Please include contact information for the principal investigator, the anticipated number of enrollments, the study protocol, and the anticipated study duration.

Policies

We are unable to accept returns for storage on medications dispensed to patients on trials that have started January 2020 or later. We offer disposal of medications as an added service. Returned medication and kits may be kept with the clinical research coordinator for reconciliation by the study monitor.

Our Team

Thomas Hebert, Pharm. D
Pharmacy Operations Manager
Phone: 412-935-1816
Email: hebertt@upmc.edu

Jennifer Kozar, Pharm. D
Investigational Drug Services Coordinator
Email: kozarje@upmc.edu
Phone: 412-647-3178

Pharmacists

Sean Barrett, R. Ph

Beth Ann Carroll, R. Ph

Brett Hall, R. Ph

Cynthia Nutter, Pharm. D

Pharmacy Operations Specialists

Annette Guerico, CPhT

Brittanie Sapp Arnold, CPhT