Celebrating a Decade of Enhancing Clinical Research in Puerto Rico

On May 18, 2026, the Puerto Rico Consortium for Clinical Investigation (PRCCI) proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary in a grand event held at the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust. This gathering was part of the Clinical Trials Awareness Month and marked a significant milestone in the journey of clinical research on the island.

Over the last ten years, PRCCI has established itself as a pivotal player in enhancing Puerto Rico's standing in global health innovation. With more than 300 clinical trial opportunities and 272 certified clinical research coordinators, PRCCI has not only advanced scientific knowledge but has also significantly impacted patient care and economic development across the region.

The anniversary event, which was streamed live for audiences in Puerto Rico and beyond, brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders, including healthcare leaders, researchers, academic institutions, industry collaborators, patients, and strategic partners. Their shared objective: to recognize the tremendous progress achieved over a decade and to explore the ongoing opportunities within the domain of clinical research.

PRCCI, a subsidiary of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, was founded to bolster Puerto Rico’s clinical research capabilities and widen access to innovative research for both healthcare professionals and patients. According to Dr. Amarilys Silva, Executive Director of PRCCI, the organization’s journey reflects Puerto Rico's potential: “Over these 10 years, PRCCI has shown that Puerto Rico possesses the requisite talent, infrastructure, and dedication to compete at the highest tiers of clinical research,” she noted.

Throughout its history, PRCCI has facilitated the execution of over 90 clinical research contracts and has supported 41 active studies spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas. These areas include oncology, cardiology, neurology, obesity, pediatrics, rare diseases, dermatology, and vaccines, demonstrating PRCCI's versatility and commitment to addressing a broad array of health challenges.

An important aspect of PRCCI’s accomplishment has been workforce development. The organization has sponsored 12 training cohorts, certified 272 Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), hosted 44 summer interns, and trained over 400 healthcare professionals in conjunction with prestigious organizations such as Yale YCCI, TransCelerate, Barnett International, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

In a significant stride forward, PRCCI inaugurated its very own Clinical Research Center in August 2023, solidifying its operational capabilities and strengthening Puerto Rico's infrastructure for innovative studies. This milestone is a testament to the committed efforts of PRCCI and its partners.

Establishing influential relationships with major pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Merck, Amgen, and Novartis, has further amplified PRCCI's impact. Collaborations with seven of the world's top ten pharmaceutical companies and six of the largest contract research organizations underscore its significant role in the global clinical research landscape.

Data from Syneos Health reveals that PRCCI sites have outperformed the network average, achieving 45.8% fewer protocol deviations, enrolling 17% more patients per study, and activating studies 36 days faster than the average site within Syneos' global network. These metrics not only highlight PRCCI's operational excellence but also its commitment to delivering high-quality research outcomes.

PRCCI's influence, however, transcends the realm of research operations. Through collaborations with over 26 patient advocacy groups, outreach activities, and participation in initiatives like the NIH All of Us Research Program, PRCCI emphasizes the importance of incorporating Puerto Rico's unique population in studies that inform the future of medicine.

The anniversary event also spotlighted new partnerships with institutions like Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts, expanding avenues for research and training in vital fields such as nutrition and public health.

Engineer Lucy Crespo, CEO of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, praised the PRCCI's accomplishments, emphasizing how they reflect the significance of investing in science and innovation. Dr. Kenneth Ramos, Chairman of the Board of PRCCI, acknowledged the dedication of the PRCCI team towards making cutting-edge research more accessible for the Puerto Rican population and for contributing to the island's economic development.

The celebration concluded with the premiering of a commemorative video that honored the partnerships and milestones that have defined PRCCI’s first decade.

With plans to continue festivities throughout the year, PRCCI is poised to raise awareness regarding the importance of clinical research while reinforcing Puerto Rico's vital role in global health advancement. As stated by PRCCI, the future holds considerable promise, with ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing research capabilities and patient access to innovative health solutions.

For detailed information about PRCCI and its initiatives, visit www.prcci.org.