Icon Group and GreenLight Clinical CRO enter integrated partnership to accelerate theranostics trials across Australia

Icon Writers / 25 Mar, 2026

On 18 March, Icon Group (Icon) and GreenLight Clinical CRO (GLC) announced a strategic partnership that will combine site operations and contract research organisation expertise together. 

This collaboration will enable a single integrated team to accelerate the design and implementation of oncology investigator-led clinical trials across Australia with a strong focus on theranostics. 

Strengthening Australia’s leadership in theranostics 

Australia is internationally recognised as a leader in theranostics — a rapidly evolving, personalised approach that combines advanced molecular imaging with targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies. 

As global investment and clinical activity in theranostics continue to grow, demand is increasing for trial models that can support complex protocols while meeting the expectations of global regulators. 

Enhancing trial design and delivery 

Under the partnership, GLC’s capabilities in regulatory strategy, data management, biostatistics and study startup will be embedded alongside Icon’s investigator leadership and site operations from the earliest stages of trial development.  

This approach enables clinical, operational and regulatory considerations to be addressed in parallel rather than sequentially, supporting faster feasibility assessment and earlier patient recruitment. 

CEO of GreenLight Clinical, Dr Robert Lin said the integrated model responds to increasing competition for high-quality clinical trial sites and experienced investigators. 

“Running critical functions in parallel, rather than sequentially, enables earlier risk identification and data quality aligned to TGA and FDA expectations from the outset,” Dr Lin said.  

“Sponsors need confidence that a study can start quickly, enrol efficiently and generate data regulators can trust — particularly in complex radiopharmaceutical trials.” 

By engaging clinicians early in protocol development, the partnership aims to ensure studies are operationally realistic and aligned with real-world clinical practice, reducing the need for amendments and minimising delays once trials are underway. 

Turning insight into development 

Group Executive Manager, Research, Sophie Mepham PhD said the collaboration strengthens Australia’s position as a destination for high-quality investigator led oncology trials. 

“This partnership allows us to shape feasibility, workflow and operational requirements before protocols are finalised,” Sophie said.  

“By combining Icon’s investigator leadership with GreenLight Clinical’s regulatory and sponsorship capability, we are creating a more streamlined and reliable pathway for global companies seeking to run oncology trials in Australia — with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients.” 

Clinical expertise will play a central role in the model, particularly for theranostics, where imaging schedules, radiation safety and patient selection require careful coordination. 

Patient-focused trials 

Clinical Director, Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Oncology (Asia Pacific), Dr Nat Lenzo  said early clinician involvement helps ensure protocols reflect the realities of patient care. 

“When clinicians are involved from the outset, we can help design studies that align with clinical workflows and patient safety considerations,” Dr Lenzo said.  

“That leads to more practical trial designs, fewer amendments and a smoother experience for both patients and trial sites.” 

 

The partnership will initially focus on accelerating access to investigator led theranostics trials at the newly established Icon Cancer Centre Hollywood in Western Australia.  

The centre is a dedicated theranostics and advanced molecular imaging facility and forms part of Icon’s broader investment in precision medicine across its global network.

Pictured: Icon Cancer Centre Hollywood, Western Australia  

Supporting the next generation of cancer trials 

By combining clinical leadership with integrated research operations, the collaboration establishes a scalable national platform for theranostics trials, supporting Australia’s ability to deliver complex radiopharmaceutical studies with speed, quality and operational rigour. 

The model is expected to provide pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors with greater confidence in Australia’s capacity to support advanced oncology research, reinforcing the country’s role as a preferred destination for next generation cancer trials. 

View all News

Search

Contact us