About KPAR

KPAR's Clinical Research Journey

Our journey into the world of clinical research began in 1986 when we participated in our first vaccine clinical trial under Physicians to Children & Adolescents, PSC (PTCA). This first trial, led to many others and a very unexpected launch into pharmaceutical clinical trials. 

In 1991, PTCA physicians separated the growing research division, establishing Kentucky Pediatric Research, Inc. as a new corporation. Operating under a separate research entitity and hiring the first full time Study Coordinator, Marty Osbourn, allowed them to further explore clincial research. KPR expanded quickly and very successfully. Within time, Kentucky Pediatric Research, Inc., began operating under the name of Kentucky Pediatric/ Adult Research (KPAR) and broadening their research scope into all age groups.

The KPAR Difference

Kentucky Pediatric Research, Inc. (doing business as Kentucky Pediatric/ Adult Research/ KPAR) is a dedicated outpatient research department within Physicians to Children & Adolescents, PSC, (PTCA), in rural Bardstown, Kentucky. Being involved in clinical research has enabled these small town pediatricians to be in the forefront of medical breakthroughs and continuously expand their knowledge of the most current medical treatments available, ultimately benefiting their patients and families. 

Under the same ownership, PTCA and KPAR operate as one. We are passionate about improving the welfare of our patients through closely monitored and controlled clinical trials. We are very selective in the trials we conduct. Considering the risks, benefits, societal goal and procedures, we choose the trials we participate in very carefully. We believe clinical research is vital to the advancement of medicine and providing optimal care to patients. KPAR is committed to helping companies find new and/or better ways to treat or prevent various diseases through clinical trials. Making a difference in not only our community, but throughout the world. 

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Impact on the World

  • Since 1986 we have participated in over 600 clinical trials for new medicines and vaccines that have improved the health of people all over the world.
  • Contributed to most vaccines available in standard of care in America and other countries, saving lifes and benefiting society as a whole.       
  • Combined vaccines to decrease the number of injections in standard of care.
  • Provide safer and more effective vaccines against COVID-19, meningitis, pneumococcal disease, HPV, Hepatitis B, chickenpox, shingles, MMR, whooping cough, tetanus, influenza, RSV, rotavirus.
  • Develop less toxic and more potent antibiodics.
  • First to identify and report penicillin resistant pneumococcus in middle ears directly impacting the devleopemnt of the first pneumococcal vaccines.
  • Establish new treatments for ADHD, depression, migraines, hypercholesterolemia, asthma and diabetes.

Most recently, with the onset of the SARs-CoV-2 pandemic in 2019, KPAR has been on the front lines of COVID-19 vaccine research. Among the first 40 clinical research sites in the world to be selected for the first Pfizer COVID-19 Phase I-III vaccine trial, beginning in July, 2020 with the initial landmark trial, enrolling 374 patients 12 years of age through older adults. Beginning the pediatric trial in June, enrolling 139 patients 5 through 11 years of age. 

As SARs-CoV-2 evolves, KPAR is continuing to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials for new variants and booster vaccinations. 

It has been an honor to contribute to these important, historical trials and being a part of the solution to the 2019 SARs-CoV-2 pandemic.

We are extremely grateful to our volunteers. Together, we wrote history.

A person in a red shirt and face mask sits at a desk, writing. They wear colorful socks and have a stethoscope.