Great Size ≠ Great Value: How Smaller Outsourcing Partners Benefit Small And Emerging Biotechs

By Joseph Arcangelo, Sr., inSeption Group

Sponsors seeking an outsourcing partner to shepherd their novel drug product through clinical trials all face the same challenge: identifying a partner that combines high quality and expeditious service with an emphasis on cost mitigation. All potential partners — from the largest contract research organization (CRO) to the most niche “boutique” outsourcing operations — will claim the necessary capability to meet your every need.

Some outsourcing organizations tout a low (initial) cost or some application of unique technology. Others point to their past accomplishments or sell their process. The most valuable asset an outsourcing partner can offer is high-quality personnel, each experienced in their current role and passionate about its undertaking. The challenge for sponsors is how to identify partners that can consistently provide such talent across the life of their project, teams of individuals whose expertise is custom-assembled for that project.

The biopharma industry spends tens of billions of dollars annually on contract research and outsourced clinical trial management services. This market is growing and has attracted numerous players, complicating sponsors’ search for a partner whose capability, cost, and process meet their needs. Knowing where to start the search, as well as the best questions to ask when a potential outsourcing partner has been identified, eases this effort considerably.