PPD Inc. (Nasdaq: PPD) was named “Best Contract Research Organization” at the 14th annual Vaccine Industry Excellence Awards during the 2021 World Vaccine Congress, according to a news release.

Accelerated Enrollment Solutions (AES), a business of PPD, received the honor of “highly commended” in the category of “Best Clinical Trial Network," officials stated in the release.

“The global pandemic demonstrated that our investments in vaccine-research capabilities positioned PPD well to support the urgent need for COVID-19 vaccines. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the ingenuity, commitment and drive of our global employees to help our customers save lives and create a healthier future," said William Sharbaugh, COO of PPD, in the release.

PPD was recognized as the best CRO for its clinical development services in core therapeutic areas, including a unit dedicated solely to vaccines, and the introduction and extension of new services, including digital clinical trial solutions, stated the release.

"In 2020, in response to the pandemic, PPD invested in the development of new clinical study models to improve the patient experience by reducing the number of in-person visits in favor of remote and digitally enabled study participation, in order to improve patient recruitment and retention. PPD continues to support multiple customers’ COVID-19 research programs," officials said in the release.

The 2021 Vaccine Industry Excellence Awards (ViE) recognition builds on PPD winning the 2020 ViE Award for “Best Central/Specialty Laboratory” for PPD Laboratories’ central lab, officials said.