research studies are major endeavors, requiring a broad array of expertise and technology. For that reason, many companies undergoing trials find themselves in need of external support. Clinical research organizations, or CROs, can offer that support. These organizations offer the knowledge, technological capabilities, and recruiting techniques for a successful clinical study. But what is a clinical research organization?
What Is a Clinical Research Organization?
What Is a Clinical Research Organization?
Sometimes known as a contract research organization, a clinical research organization (CRO) exists solely to take the lead in clinical research study management. Drug companies often contract these organizations to broaden their clinical testing capabilities. CROs can also help reduce the cost of research and speed up development times for companies in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
What Do CROs Do?
What do CROs have to offer that companies can’t accomplish in-house? The short answer: a lot. There are different types of CROs with a vast array of specialization areas. However, specialties aside, most CROs offer the following:
- trial planning and execution
- Regulatory communications and compliance
- Recruitment support
- Data management
- trial site selection
- Vendor relations
- Hospital relations
Benefits of Working with a CRO
As mentioned above, CROs help trial sponsors dramatically reduce their workloads. These organizations also serve as liaisons between trial sponsors and regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. There are several other benefits of working with a CRO that you should keep in mind:
- Speed: Time is of the essence during a trial’s early development phases. Working with a CRO to conduct a trial often significantly reduces development time. While trial sponsors may have some resources in-house, CROs offer a level of expertise to proceed through early development stages quickly and efficiently.
- Savings: More efficient trials can save research organizations thousands. CROs also typically offer in-house equipment, which means organizers can avoid purchasing expensive equipment. Finally, CROs employ expert staff and have access to well-equipped medical facilities. Without CROs, trial organizers would have to hire their own staff and rent or purchase testing facilities. Instead, these costs are included in the overall cost of working with a CRO.
- Advanced Technology: When a trial organizer chooses to work with a CRO, the organizer gets immediate access to that CRO’s cutting-edge technology. This ranges from data management technology and IT support to hands-on medical equipment. This is especially important as clinical research is a rapidly evolving industry. Today’s cutting-edge technology may be obsolete five years from now; however, CROs always have the latest equipment for quality control.
_____
Clinical research organizations, or CROs, are excellent resources for trial organizers of all sizes. Equipped with expertise, cutting-edge technology, and regulatory knowledge, CROs are a good choice regardless of the type of trial being conducted.
Have you ever thought about participating in a clinical research study? You could be a part of history! QPS Missouri is looking for new participants. Since opening its doors in 1994, QPS Missouri has conducted over 1,000 FDA-regulated studies, paying out over $35 million to local participants. Your local participation could have a global impact, as QPS is an international leader in contract research with facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our mission is to accelerate the development of drugs worldwide by enabling breakthroughs in pharmaceutical innovation. This includes several pediatric studies across several age ranges. If you would like to join us in this crucial healthcare mission, consider applying for a clinical research study.
To get started, you simply need to fill out an online application. After that, within 48 business hours, a recruiting coordinator will contact you for your pre-screening assessment. To learn more, please visit the QPS Missouri website, review the study participation process, or check out our list of frequently asked questions.