Selecting a suitable CRO is fundamental for ensuring successful clinical trials. There is a common misconception that large CROs are superior, but a company’s size does not always directly correlate to its expertise.
This article looks into how mid-sized CROs are thriving in the current marketplace, thanks to their niche expertise, focus, effective communication, flexibility, and innovation.
The 4 major benefits of choosing mid-sized CROs for your clinical trials
- Flexibility and agility for quicker decisions
- Customized approach
- Dedicated customer service
- Consistency from an experienced team
01
Flexibility and agility for quicker decisions
The global biotechnology industry is experiencing monumental growth every year. In 2022, the global market for biotechnology was estimated to be worth approximately US$1.2 trillion, and is expected to be worth around US$3.2 trillion by 2030 [1].
Clinical trial infrastructure is needed to keep up with this vast demand – and fast. In fact, emerging biopharmaceutical companies sponsored almost 3,400 trials in 2021 alone [2]. That’s why biopharmaceutical companies are looking to CROs to help them negotiate drug development and regulatory pathways [3].
However, the bigger the CRO, the slower it typically operates due to its massive size. This significantly limits its flexibility and slows down key decision-making.
Meanwhile, mid-sized CROs are less constrained by their own company infrastructure and bureaucracy. As a result, they often have more flexibility, agility, and therefore an enhanced ability to make quick decisions and adapt to study changes on the fly.
In the dynamic landscape of clinical research, it's time to challenge the misconception that bigger is always better.
Mid-sized CROs are revolutionizing the industry with their focus, flexibility, and innovative approaches.
02
Customized approach
No clinical trial is ever the same. Each project pathway has its own requirements, goals, and obstacles.
Large CROs often struggle to customize their approach to suit their clients, instead relying on set guidelines and parameters for every project.
Conversely, mid-sized CROs are able to take a customized approach to clinical trials. Listening to client expectations and needs, these smaller CROs can tailor their approach to each client, rather than their own set criteria.
This also means better budget management for clinical trials. Mid-sized CROs are typically more affordable – with fewer overhead expenditures – with procedures put in place for clients to stay on top of their budgets.
All of this brings about smoother processes, and ultimately, better results for the client.
03
Dedicated customer service
In the realm of clinical research outsourcing, mid-sized CROs shine when it comes to providing dedicated customer service.
For clients searching for a high-touch relationship, mid-sized CROs can offer their undivided attention, close contact, excellent oversight, and a personalized experience.
These closer client connections mean a more hands-on approach to projects, with short lines of escalation to the wider team. Their accessibility and responsiveness create a partner-like model, where they actively cater to the unique needs of emerging biopharma clients.
These mid-sized CROs are also eager to share their expertise and seamlessly collaborate as an extension of the team. This ensures mutual goals and deliverables are achieved, driving successful outcomes in the field of clinical research.
04
Consistency from an experienced team
The importance of consistency cannot be overstated in the field of clinical research. Consistency can apply not only to the CRO’s way of working but also to its team structure. Bigger CROs tend to experience more turnover in resourcing and more frequent changes in processes.
Mid-sized CROs come to the forefront with more consistent offerings. They also boast experienced project and management teams that are committed to seeing clinical trials through, from site selection to the delivery of final results.
Unlike their larger counterparts, mid-sized CROs often exhibit relatively low staff turnover rates. This means they can retain the best experienced individuals to consistently work on clinical trials.
With consistency comes another competitive advantage – concentrated expertise. This is especially true in specific therapeutic areas or cutting-edge technologies.
These mid-sized CROs rely heavily on the proficiency of their scientists, who stand at the forefront of running complex drug combination trials. Ultimately, this helps to assure the success of clinical research endeavors.
Embracing digital technology and remote assessment strategies, these mid-sized CROs pave the way for efficient and streamlined clinical trial research, ensuring consistency and excellence every step of the way.
SGS has over 40 years of experience as a full-service mid-sized CRO in EU and US, with a strong track record of successful clinical trial management.
Why SGS?
With over 40 years of experience as a global CRO, our unique and effective full-service solutions are supported by our strong track record of successful management of clinical trials. As a full-service mid-sized CRO, SGS offers a tailor-made solution for your requirements.
We bring expert solutions with our wealth of expertise in FIH to POC studies and complex PK/PD studies. Notably, SGS PACE, our exclusive program, maximizes drug potential from preclinical to clinical stages. We also bridge to later-phase studies, using our network of qualified partner sites and external site networks that provide us with direct patient access.
Our international site network and large trial management infrastructure are built around niche therapeutic areas such as oncology, dermatology, respiratory disease and infectious disease.
SGS has notable experience in full-service early-phase complex clinical development, supported by our large Clinical Pharmacology Unit (CPU) located in Belgium (Antwerp University Hospital in Edegem) and two patient sites in Belgium (Mechelen) and Hungary (Budapest). We are also well known for our functional service provider model for biometrics.
- Modern and efficient facilities to conduct Phase I studies
- Clinical, therapeutic, medical and regulatory expertise
- Efficient start-up processes and good access to study participants
- Services from protocol design to final study reporting
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