New identity unites three site organizations under one banner as company expands beyond its vaccine-trial roots into multi-therapeutic clinical research site network

KANSAS CITY, Kan., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson County ClinTrials (JCCT), a nationally recognized clinical trial site network, today announced it has rebranded as Sequoia Clinical Research. The new name and visual identity bring together three organizations — JCCT, Juno Research, and CRC — that have been working together and growing as a combined site network, formally uniting them under a single brand for the first time.

"Over the past 18 months, we brought Juno and CRC in with JCCT, added to our leadership team, incorporated proven technologies and integrated processes to sustain our commitment to quality excellence while we grow," said Dan White, CEO of Sequoia Clinical Research. "We chose Sequoia because sequoia trees share their root system to grow and gain strength, which is how we operate. We share our operational excellence across the sites and make it easy for sponsors and CROs to work with us — multiple sites, one contact, one contract."

For 20 years, JCCT built its reputation as one of the premier vaccine trial sites in the country, playing an integral role in COVID-era vaccine and therapeutic development. As patient needs have shifted, the organization has expanded into cardiometabolic disease, nephrology, endocrinology, obesity, immunology, and gastroenterology while holding onto the physician-forward, community-based model that built its name in the first place. The new brand reflects that evolution, paired with a new tagline: "Connecting People to Advance Research." The refreshed logo features an interlocking root system, a visual nod to the strength that comes from sites, physicians, and communities supporting one another.

The expansion is anchored by physician leaders across each therapeutic area including Carlos Fierro, MD in vaccines, Damaris Vega, MD in endocrinology, and Ahmed Awad, MD in nephrology, reflecting the PI-forward, physician-engaged model that has defined the network since its founding.

"As we expand into new therapeutic areas, we remain committed to a disciplined growth strategy," said Tom Kreamer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Sequoia Clinical Research. "We will pursue opportunities only when we have both respected Key Opinion Leaders and the infrastructure necessary to support high-quality clinical research, ensuring excellence for our sponsors, investigators, and the patients we serve."

That infrastructure includes centralized, AI-supported patient recruitment, a dedicated PBMC lab supporting immunology and vaccine research, and a fully automated e-source system. These investments allow the network to operate at the scale of much larger organizations while preserving the individual character of each site. The company reports it has successfully passed two FDA audits within the past quarter alone.

"The Board views this rebrand as both a reflection of how far the organization has come and a platform for continued growth and innovation," said Karen Winterhof, Sequoia Clinical Research Board of Directors and partner at FFL Partners. "Dan and his team have created an organization capable of delivering quality at scale. The systems, processes, and oversight are in place to support continued growth, while preserving the local leadership, responsiveness, and patient focus that have driven JCCT's success. That balance is what sets us apart and what sponsors should expect from us moving forward."

Sequoia Clinical Research will introduce its new brand to the clinical research industry at the SCRS Global Site Solutions Summit, occurring October 15–18 in Orlando, Florida. Attendees are invited to stop by Booth #511 to meet the team and discuss new collaborations for sponsors, CROs, and site partners.

About Sequoia Clinical Research

Sequoia Clinical Research is a clinical trial site network that collaborates with pharmaceutical companies and CROs to execute clinical trials, recruit eligible participants, support regulatory compliance, and enhance data quality. Sequoia coordinates research operations across connected sites with a steadfast commitment to high-quality research. Its premier Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) Lab is one of the most advanced Cell-Mediated Immunity (CMI) processing facilities in the industry. To learn more, visit https://sequoiaclinicalresearch.com/.

CONTACT: Shannon Severino for Sequoia Clinical Research, shannon@severinocommunications.com

SOURCE Johnson County Clin Trials