DUBLIN -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

ICON plc, (NASDAQ: ICLR) a global provider of drug development solutions and services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, today announced the launch of the Firecrest Patient Portal. This portal enables patients to view clinical trial information and is specifically designed to enhance the patients understanding of treatment before consenting to participate at an investigator site.

The Patient Portal solution is a component of ICON’s new informatics hub designed to enhance the engagement of patient populations in the development process and is line with ICH E6 guidance, which recommends patients receive ‘ample time’ to review consent materials and ask follow-up questions.

“The opportunity for education about the trial, before a face-to-face meeting with their doctor, helps patients make truly informed decisions about participation,” said Frances Abeton, Vice President, Firecrest at ICON plc. “Improved patient comprehension of a trial can reflect positively in patients’ relationships with investigators and subsequently lead to better recruitment and retention rates. As drug developers begin adopting electronic informed consent platforms improved regulatory-compliant education will be crucial. The Firecrest Patient Portal is a centralised solution for patients, investigators and study staff, making it easier for all involved to interact and stay informed.” said Abeton.

Patients using the Firecrest Patient Portal can find active trials, complete pre-screening questionnaires and select a convenient study location. As the Patient Portal is integrated with ICON’s Firecrest Investigator Portal, investigators can engage directly with patients that have shown interest, schedule visits, and examine live analytics about the materials reviewed by a patient. Patients can read visit-by-visit guides and as the trial progresses, patients can return to the portal to review updates or notifications specific to them. They will also be able to register interest in future clinical trials that will support patient access for upcoming trials.

The Firecrest Patient Portal can be customised in any language, adapted to country specific requirements, and branded as required by sponsors.

Request a demonstration of Firecrest Patient Portal and learn more about ICON’s Firecrest solution at www.iconplc.com/technology/firecrest.

About ICON plc

ICON plc is a global provider of drug development solutions and services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The company specialises in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support clinical development - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. With headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, ICON currently, operates from 81 locations in 38 countries and has approximately 11,200 employees. Further information is available at www.iconplc.com.

More information about ICON’s Firecrest solutions is available at: www.iconplc.com/technology/firecrest/.

ICON/ICLR-G

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and information currently available, including current economic and industry conditions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actual results, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those stated in this press release. The forward-looking statements are subject to future events, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the statements, including, but not limited to, the ability to enter into new contracts, maintain client relationships, manage the opening of new offices and offering of new services, the integration of new business mergers and acquisitions, as well as economic and global market conditions and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in SEC reports filed by ICON, all of which are difficult to predict and some of which are beyond our control. For these reasons, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. The word "expected" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are only as of the date they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More information about the risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements may be found in SEC reports filed by ICON, including its Form 20-F, F-1, S-8 and F-3, which are available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

ICON/ICLR-G

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CONTACT:

ICON Media Contact
Rosie Ireland
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +44 (0) 207 067 0190
Email: rireland@webershandwick.com