Investigational Drug Services (IDS)

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

Services offered by IDS include:

• Several different storage options for investigational products. 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
  • Compounding – sterile and nonsterile
  • Shipping (limitations may apply under Pennsylvania law)
• Consulting for logistics and protocols

Investigational Drug Services at UPMC