Top 10 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services Dominating 2024 & Beyond
- Charles River Laboratories
Charles River Laboratories is a worldwide leader in offering critical products and services to speed up drug discovery and development. Their offerings include a wide array of preclinical and clinical laboratory services, as well as laboratory animal medicine and research services.
The CRO’s strategy focuses on early-stage research and biopharma manufacturing, backed by scientific expertise, high quality standards, and strong client support. They offer flexible, customized solutions and anticipate growing demand as biopharma R&D evolves. Their success is shown through partnerships with leading biopharma companies and strengthened ties with research institutions.
- WuXi AppTec
Founded in China in 2000, WuXi AppTec was formed in 2008 after acquiring AppTec Laboratory Services. With 45,000 employees and operations across Asia, Europe, and North America, they provide R&D and manufacturing services to the pharma, biotech, and medical device industries. Their services include drug development, manufacturing, testing, and cell and gene therapies. WuXi AppTec’s open-access platform serves over 5,900 clients in more than 30 countries, driven by the vision that "Every drug can be made, and every disease can be treated."
- Medpace
Medpace is a full-service clinical contract research organization dedicated to delivering end-to-end clinical development services for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, with an emphasis on therapeutic expertise and effective study execution.
Recently, Medpace adopted a patient-centered approach to clinical trials, utilizing digital health technologies to boost participant engagement and improve data collection. Compared to its 2023 revenue of $1.886 billion, the company anticipates 2024 revenue to range between $2.150 billion and $2.200 billion, marking a growth of 14.0% to 16.7%.
- Parexel International (MA) Corporation
Parexel is a top global CRO offering clinical development and consulting services, with study sites in the US, UK, and Germany. In 2022, they launched the Community Alliance Network with CVS Health and Javara to expand patient access and diversity in clinical trials by bringing research into community healthcare settings.
In 2023, Parexel introduced a new analytics platform that uses machine learning to enhance trial design and patient recruitment strategies. Additionally, Parexel International secured $3.86 billion to expand its capabilities in clinical research and drug development services.
- Syneos Health
Syneos Health, formed from the merger of INC Research and inVentiv Health, is a global provider of biopharmaceutical solutions. It offers services from clinical development to commercialization, helping launch new therapies faster. By combining a CRO and CCO, Syneos integrates clinical, medical, and commercial services to support client success. With over 29,000 employees, Syneos operates in more than 110 countries.
In 2023, Syneos Health partnered with uMotif to develop a patient-centered eClinical platform, aimed at improving the efficiency of clinical trials and speeding up the availability of new therapies for patients.
- Clinipace
Clinipace is a technology-driven CRO specializing in providing clinical trial solutions for the life sciences sector, leveraging innovative technology to enhance trial efficiency and quality.
In 2024, Clinipace introduced a new data analytics tool that offers real-time insights into trial performance, helping sponsors make more informed decisions.
- IQVIA Inc
Established in 1982, IQVIA is a prominent global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical research services, serving the fields of health information technologies and clinical research. Today, IQVIA ranks among the largest CROs, employing around 85,000 people and operating in more than 100 countries.
In 2024, IQVIA introduced the "One Home for Sites" technology platform, aimed at simplifying operations for clinical research sites. This platform provides a unified sign-on and dashboard, consolidating crucial systems and tasks that sites handle across multiple trials.
- ICON plc
ICON plc is a worldwide provider of outsourced development and commercialization services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors, with a focus on delivering high-quality clinical trial management.
In 2023, ICON launched the latest version of its digital platform designed to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trials. This updated platform incorporates advanced technologies to streamline processes, enhance data management, and promote better collaboration among stakeholders in clinical research.
- PSI
PSI is a comprehensive CRO that specializes in managing clinical trials across Europe and beyond, providing services in regulatory affairs, project management, and clinical monitoring. They prioritize delivering customized solutions to meet their clients' specific needs.
- PPD
Founded in 1985 as a one-person consulting firm, PPD has grown to conduct clinical trials in over 100 countries. Now recognized as one of the leading CROs, PPD employs more than 30,000 people worldwide and offers comprehensive, integrated services in drug development, laboratory work, and lifecycle management.
PPD’s strengths include its unique clinical development and lab services, a growing customer base, and a skilled workforce committed to excellence. To drive growth, PPD focuses on expanding its services in existing and new markets, increasing its therapeutic expertise, and improving its site network, patient enrollment platform, and lab capabilities, while investing in innovative solutions.
Final Takeaway
CRO services play a crucial role in the biopharmaceutical industry, helping companies manage clinical trial complexities. By partnering with CROs, organizations gain access to specialized expertise, advanced technologies, and streamlined processes, boosting drug development efficiency. As the industry evolves, these partnerships will remain key to fostering innovation and delivering safe, effective therapies globally.
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