Industry Standard Research Identifies Quality CROs
Industry Standard Research (ISR) announced the availability of its 3rd annual CRO Quality Benchmarking Report. The 2011 version of the report profiles 169 pharmaceutical and biotechnology professionals and their experiences with dozens of small, mid-size, and large CROs. In total, data were collected on over 410 Sponsor/CRO interactions.
“We’re operating in an extraordinarily busy and complicated time in the world of drug development,” stated Kevin Olson, CEO, Industry Standard Research. Olson went on: “Drug companies are merging, acquiring, and cutting at seemingly unprecedented rates and outsourcing more and more of their development activities. CROs, for their part, are consolidating at least as fast and need to do everything possible to ensure they stay focused on the quality of their service amidst all the activity. This report provides sponsor companies a critical tool that will maximize their chances of success when selecting a CRO partner. Historically, sponsors have been left to select their CROs based solely on their own experiences and on what the CROs tell them. This “Consumer Reports-style” analysis allows every buyer access to the experience of nearly 200 other drug development professionals worldwide.”
The study, in its third consecutive year of publication, segments much of its data by clinical phase of development. In addition to the annual service quality measurements the study also delivers a detailed analysis of CRO selection drivers, outsourcing volume, preferred CROs, intended future use of specific CROs, and much more. The report contains nearly 300 pages with several hundred charts, graphs, and analysis.
Improving Relationships and Diversifying the Site Selection Process
April 17th 2025In this episode of the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast, Liz Beatty, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Inato, discusses a number of topics around site engagement including community-based sites, the role of technology in improving site/sponsor relationships, how increased operational costs are impacting the industry, and more.
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.
FDA-Approved Gene Therapy Beqvez Shows Sustained Efficacy, Safety in Long-Term Hemophilia B Trial
April 17th 2025Beqvez (fidanacogene elaparvovec), an FDA-approved one-time gene therapy for hemophilia B, demonstrated sustained factor IX expression, low bleeding rates, and a favorable safety profile over long-term follow-up.
