History
When A+ Science was established at Gothenburg University in 1997, nobody expected us to become one of the most trusted full-service CROs in Scandinavia. We believe our success stems from our approach: never taking the easy way out, but finding solutions to problems – whatever they may be.
But most importantly, we never judge assignments by size. The way we see it, they are all miracles waiting to be released.
Longer version
1997
Björn Dahlöf, Peter Held, Åke Hjalmarsson, Olle Isaksson and Carl Swedberg, all dedicated researchers within the cardiovascular field, form what is to become A+ Science. Connections to the academic world distinguish the company from many other CROs.
The forming of the company is the result of a clinical trial idea, designed and further developed by Björn Dahlöf. When a big pharmaceutical company shows interest, the work starts. The study is named ASCOT and within the coming years 20 000 patients from five countries are randomized. Publications in The Lancet in 2003 and 2005 lead to changes in guiding principles in treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
As this work continues, the company A+ Science takes form and direction.
2000
The selection of services expands as the number of customers increase. By now the company proves experience from several therapy areas and from studies in both early and late phases. Even medical device studies are successfully completed.
2001
On the 1st of January the office in Stockholm opens, where many of the company’s customers are located.
2003
Part of the study ASCOT is stopped for benefit and the results are published in The Lancet. The design of the study and the company’s ability to handle large clinical trials provides great success in both realization and results. The study is highly debated.
The same year the company undertakes another big study, ACCOMPLISH. Amongst the customers are several of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies.
2004
A+ Science starts working with further education for physicians, organizing accredited continuing medical educations (CME) in co-operation with the Sahlgrenska academy, University of Gothenburg.
Outsourcing has been a part of A+ Science business since 2000, and now the company introduces this service on the market.
2005
The year becomes hectic for A+ Science. In relation to the publishing of the latter part of the ASCOT study in The Lancet, data on 20 000 patients is to be handled.
2006
A+ Science becomes listed at the stock exchange Aktietorget through Vita Nova Ventures AB and the organization expands. A+ Science now has 55 employees and a comprehensive network of study sites with physicians throughout and beyond the Nordic countries.
2007
The expansion of business continues in January with the acquisition of Northern Sweden Clinical Research Institute AB (NS-CRI). NS-CRI has close research cooperation with University of Umeå, especially within clinical trials in oncology and the organization has existed for nearly ten years.
In August, 2007, A+ Science acquires Sedoc Pharmaceutical Medicine AB with offices in Stockholm and Lund. Sedoc PM established in 1995 and has principally been conducting phase I and II, and therefore complements A+ Science´ extensive experience of late phase studies.
2008
A+ Science extends their services with City Site and can therefore provide clinical research personnel and localities for clinical trials. Apart from being a research unit in its own right, City Site provides resources to investigators, research sites and clinics.
Identifying patient recruitment as a critical factor in keeping clinical deadlines, A+ Science acquires parts of NMCT. Staff, databases and technical equipment move to the Gothenburg office.