Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) provide product development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Involved in approximately two-thirds of all Phase I – III clinical trials, CRO professionals bring their scientific, regulatory and information management expertise to bear for the completion of timely, accurate, cost-effective trials. By outsourcing, sponsors gain the benefits of CRO experience, even while controlling costs and reducing the research and development timeline.

CROs focus on the unique challenges of biopharmaceutical and medical-device development. They offer clients a "ready made" infrastructure of global research personnel, services, and facilities. They allow product development to proceed more efficiently, and maximize time and profit benefits for patent-protected products. Rather than organize, create, and administer a complete clinical trial process themselves, clients can focus on their own core strengths.

CROs offer an unparalleled depth of experience with regulatory processes around the world. Acting as true partners in the development process, they provide the kind of on-the-ground expertise that keeps pipelines moving and budgets in line. Their flexible range of services allows CROs to offer single-service components or complete development programs, all while minimizing ramp-up time and investment.

For more on the benefits of outsourcing, read the January/February 2006 Impact Report published by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development.