WILMINGTON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PPD is sponsoring Walk MS: Austin as part of the PPD Heroes initiative to raise awareness about the life-changing impact of clinical research for patients.

PPD Heroes are extraordinary people whose lives have been transformed by medical therapies developed through clinical research. They share their personal stories to inspire hope and help raise awareness about the importance of increasing participation in clinical trials by patients and physicians to advance the development of next-generation therapies.

PPD Hero John Hamlet, who has multiple sclerosis (MS), will lead a PPD team of more than 70 people who are walking Oct. 29 in the fundraising event in Austin, Texas, which is organized by the nonprofit National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

A senior director in project management at PPD’s clinical research unit in Austin, Hamlet works on clinical trials in neuroscience, the therapeutic area that encompasses MS, which affects the central nervous system.

When Hamlet learned of his diagnosis a dozen years ago, he sought medical treatment to address his condition, and took action against the potentially disabling disease.

“Soon after my diagnosis, I signed up for the annual walk to raise money for MS,” he said. “We decided to open the walk to the whole PPD office and invite people to join the team or donate to support us. I’m looking forward to my 12th annual walk this year and encourage as many people as possible to join us in our efforts to expand understanding of the importance of clinical trials.”

Research is the key to developing new treatments for MS and, someday, a cure, he said.

“When I received my diagnosis, a huge amount of research had yet to be done,” Hamlet noted. “Since then, research has changed the face of MS, and PPD is an industry leader in clinical research for MS.”

Dr. Rob Dow, PPD’s chief medical officer, said MS is one of many diseases the company is working with clients to help eradicate.

“Thanks to John and our other PPD Heroes we can clearly see the many accomplishments we’ve experienced in our efforts to combat a wide variety of diseases and health conditions, but we recognize that we still have so much more to do,” Dow said. “PPD’s mission - upon which our global employees are keenly focused - is to help our clients deliver life-changing therapies. PPD Heroes inspire us, and we hope they will motivate countless others to get involved and support clinical research.”

PPD’s operations in Austin feature a Phase I clinic that has the capability to carry out multiple, complex and procedurally intensive studies simultaneously.

Now in its eighth year, the PPD Heroes initiative is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to help increase understanding of and participation in clinical trials, with a clear focus on patients, physicians and patient-focused organizations.

Walk MS: Austin will be held Sunday, Oct. 29, at Dell Diamond, beginning at 9 a.m. The National MS Society is dedicated to research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function and end MS. To register or for additional information, contact Laila El-Far at Laila.El-Far@nmss.org or +1 210 694 3223.

About PPD

PPD is a leading global contract research organization providing comprehensive, integrated drug development, laboratory and lifecycle management services. Our clients and partners include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, academic and government organizations. With offices in 47 countries and approximately 20,000 professionals worldwide, PPD applies innovative technologies, therapeutic expertise and a firm commitment to quality to help clients and partners bend the cost and time curve of drug development to deliver life-changing therapies that improve health. For more information, visit www.ppdi.com.

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