INNOVADERM CRO IS NOW INDERO.

Your Focused Rheumatology CRO

Specialized CRO services for rheumatology studies.
We’re all in.

Rheumatology Clinical Research Deserves a Champion

Rheumatology specializes in diagnosing and treating over 20 rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) that can impact joints and organs in both children and adults. Given the complexity and variety of these conditions, a specialized CRO is essential. Indero serves your clinical trial needs from every side—from science to operations and protocols to patients–ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and reliability.

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Rheumatology Indications

As your rheumatology CRO, Indero offers the expertise to advance a broad spectrum of indications. Our team understands the complexities and unique demands of immune-mediated diseases, bringing depth and precision to every study we support. Here are some of the indications we focus on:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Scleroderma/systemic sclerosis (SSc)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and juvenile PsA
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile SLE
  • Lupus nephritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), including dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and juvenile inflammatory myopathies (JIIMs)
  • Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) (ankylosing spondylitis (AS))
  • Gout
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Behçet’s disease
  • Sjögren’s disease and juvenile sjögren’s sisease
  • Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
  • Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)/associated vasculitides (AAVs)
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica
  • Giant cell arteritis
  • IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD)

Focused Expertise In Some Key Indications

Indications

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc)

Spondyloarthritis spectrum

Specificities

SLE trials face unique complexities due to the disease’s heterogeneity, different treatment paradigms across the globe, uncontrolled use of background glucocorticoids, and use of convoluted composite endpoints that capture organ-specific responses and overall disease activity.

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by immune imbalance, fibrosis and vascular abnormalities, making endpoint selection and recruitment particularly challenging.

The spondyloarthritis spectrum encompasses a range of diseases sharing common inflammatory pathways but requiring distinct endpoints and trial designs.

Key Challenges

  • High variability in flare frequency and variable flare definitions.
  • Background therapy not properly controlled.
  • The need to measure both clinical (e.g., joint involvement, skin rashes) and serological (e.g., anti-dsDNA, complement levels) responses.
  • High placebo response rates, making it difficult to demonstrate superiority of investigational therapies.
  • Complexity and overlapping disease activity scores (SLEDAI-2K, BILAG-2004, Joint counts and CLASI) that create data mismatch due to its design nature and variable definitions of lupus manifestations.
  • Heterogeneity in disease manifestations (limited vs. diffuse forms).
  • Difficulty in demonstrating anti-fibrotic efficacy given the slow disease progression.
  • High variability in outcome measures like modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and forced vital capacity (FVC) for lung involvement.
  • Reliance on imaging-based endpoints (MRI, X-ray) for spinal and sacroiliac joint inflammation.
  • The need to measure both axial (spinal) and peripheral (joint, enthesitis) involvement.
  • Capturing dermatologic endpoints in PsA, such as PASI for skin lesions.
  • Common extra-articular manifestations such as emergent uveitis and gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions (inflammatory bowel disease associated arthropathy).

Indero Approach

Our team employs validated composite endpoints like SLE Responder Index (SRI), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) and organ-specific indices such as EULAR/ERA-EDTA renal response and CLASI skin score.

We partner with specialized lupus centers to accelerate recruitment of well-characterized patients.

Centralized adjudication of disease activity at entry and during study duration by expert “lupus trialists” ensures consistent assessment of disease activity status across sites, enhancing data reliability, detection of efficacy signals and controlling placebo response rates.

We are familiar with the standardized imaging techniques (e.g., HRCT for lung fibrosis) and pulmonary function testing to capture subtle changes in disease progression.

Our trial network, focused on rheumatology sites, ensures access to experienced investigators and accelerates recruitment.

Rigorous training of site staff in mRSS (hands-on workshops with real patients and training certification) and lung function assessment ensures consistent, high-quality data collection.

We utilize centralized imaging reviews with radiologists trained in SpA standardized scoring systems (e.g., SPARCC, mSASSS).

Our dual expertise in dermatology and rheumatology ensures consistent staff training on assessment of both musculoskeletal and skin outcomes in PsA.

Clear protocol recommendations on how to manage emergent extra articular manifestations (e.g. uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease), clear derivation channels to relevant specialists for assessments and clear definitions of rescue therapy alternatives and IMP discontinuation rules.

Platform trial designs enable sponsors to evaluate multiple mechanism of actions, reducing costs and increasing trial efficiency.

Our Scientific Rheumatology Capabilities

We ensure precise patient selection and reliable efficacy data through advanced clinical phenotyping and imaging. Our expert team excels in managing eligibility criteria and complex scoring systems, adhering to the latest standards from major scientific authorities.

Rheumatology CRO Services

Indero’s full-service model supports rheumatology studies from start to finish. With scientific and medical rigor, operational efficiency, and specialized clinical development, we prioritize data quality at every step. Our tailored insights and quality data ensure on-time, effective study execution.

Why Indero?

Indero is a specialized CRO with deep expertise in rheumatology and dermatology, bringing over 25 years of experience in clinical trial delivery. Our full-service approach—from protocol design and patient recruitment to monitoring and biometrics—prioritizes data quality in all processes and training programs. This commitment equips biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors with the clinical rigor and medical expertise to drive rheumatology studies to success. Our operations span across the world, with capabilities in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Our dermatology connections include over 3,100+ investigators, making us a trusted partner for efficient, effective dermatology trials at a global scale.

. . .From the initial synopsis development to the final stages of study conduct, the synergy between our teams was palpable and was underpinned by Indero’s strong relationships with sites, investigators and KOLs. . .

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Snehal Naik, PhD

Senior Vice President, Clinical Development

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Achieving a Low 4% Discontinuation Rate In A Systemic Sclerosis Trial

Indero successfully navigated the complexities of a study on Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), demonstrating strategies that enhanced subject retention and streamlined recruitment.

Challenges

  • Diverse Patient Demographics: Enrolled 49 subjects across various geographies due to the condition’s rarity.
  • Recruitment Appeal: The lack of treatment options in the study made participation less attractive.
  • Logistical Coordination: Coordinating transport and clinic visits for distant subjects posed significant challenges.

Strategies

  • Timely Recruitment: Completed recruitment on schedule without advertisements, despite local academic site complexities.
  • Low Discontinuation Rate: Achieved a remarkable 4% subject discontinuation rate, reflecting strong engagement.
  • Effective Coordination: Managed logistical complexities to ensure seamless subject transportation to the clinic.

Our Rheumatology Insights

Blog
By: Indero
Backup Plans in Clinical Trials: A Focus on Rheumatology
Read More
Blog
By: Kristen Neely
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Imperative of Patient Recruitment and Research Opportunities
Read More
Blog
By: Kristen Neely
Enhancing Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Retention
Read More
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Scott Guenthner

The Dermatology Center of Indiana and the Indiana Clinical Trials Center

The Dermatology Center of Indiana logo

“Outstanding level of support.

Indero has truly been a reliable CRO partner to us over the years and has continuously offered an outstanding level of support to our recruitment activities.”

Our Rheumatologists

Introducing Indero’s rheumatologists, who are an integral part of the rheumatology team, bringing over 70 years of combined experience in the field. They are supported by our comprehensive operational CRO team, ready to support you at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Rheumatology CRO?

A rheumatology CRO specializes and understands the caveats and challenges of rheumatology diseases and target populations. They combine medical, scientific and clinical rheumatology expertise to ensure successful trial management and execution.

When selecting a rheumatology CRO, consider these key factors:
  • Expertise: Look for a CRO with specialized medical, scientific and clinical knowledge and experience in rheumatology to ensure the trial’s relevance and scientific rigor.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Ensure the CRO adopts a strategic approach that extends beyond regulatory submissions, incorporating rheumatology endpoints, medical and scientific writing services, and regulatory agency meeting support. This comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance process aids in effectively navigating potential challenges.
  • Infrastructure: Evaluate their relationships with rheumatology research sites, focusing on their ability to select and assess sites based on their performance, geographical reach, and patient recruitment capabilities, which are essential for timely and efficient study execution.
  • Quality: Choose a CRO that lives and breathes rheumatology data quality. They should have robust ties to top-enrolling sites and a core focus on science and innovation to safeguard subject safety and data integrity. They should also proactively identify and mitigate risks throughout the study.

A specialized CRO enhances your trial by providing medical, scientific and clinical rheumatology expertise in addition to tailored patient engagement strategies, and streamlined operations. Their deep understanding of regulatory requirements and established rheumatology-specific networks can lead to more efficient trial execution and improved patient outcomes, ultimately advancing treatment options in this critical field.

Wherever
You’re Going,
We’re all in.

Need help with your next study? We want to learn more. Fill out the form on the right and one of our experts will be in touch.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

We orchestrate all study activities and deliverables, including site selection process, budget and contract negotiations, and patient engagement, recruitment enrollment projections, all while respecting your study timelines.

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Patient Recruitment

Our dedicated patient recruitment and advertising team integrates with the study team to tailor recruitment strategies, customize central ad campaigns, develop advertising creative, and continuously track and adapt recruitment goals. Our patient-centric approach is enhanced by Clinago, our technology enabled recruitment service.

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Clinical Monitoring

Leveraging an average of over 15 years of industry experience, our seasoned clinical operations team offers both adaptive monitoring services (on-site and remote) and centralized monitoring services. All of our team members undergo extensive dermatology training. We ensure compliance with rheumatology study protocols, sound clinical practices and applicable regulations. Our team is skilled in identifying data inconsistencies, performing trend analysis, and detecting patterns or outliers. Additionally, we offer tailored training programs for sites in rheumatology to ensure they are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices.

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Medical Monitoring

We provide clinical oversight to protect subject safety and maintain data integrity. Our responsive medical monitors work directly with sites to address issues quickly, ensuring adherence and reliable data that keep your rheumatology trials on track.

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Pharmacovigilance

Our pharmacovigilance services span various therapeutic areas and track, assess, and report safety data to manage your trial risks effectively. Through continuous monitoring and regulatory reporting, we ensure subject safety, providing you with the confidence and clarity you need.

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Biostatistics & Data Management

Our extensive biometric services cater to all your biostatistics and data management requirements, meticulously aligned with your rheumatology study goals and other medical fields. We offer a range of services, including adaptive design, strategic statistical consulting, sample size and power calculations, database design, medical coding, and thorough data validation, review, and cleaning.

Study Design & Protocol Writing

With deep expertise and vast operational experience, we can help you design an innovative and efficient patient-centric rheumatology study that meets your scientific objectives while optimizing your financial investment. We engage with key opinion leaders to shape trial designs leading to improved study site engagement.

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Clinical Development & Regulatory Consulting

We can help you navigate the global regulatory landscape and provide clinical development consulting, covering end-to-end needs, including drug and device submissions, medical and scientific writing, clinical pre-feasibility, scientific support, and even meeting with regulatory agencies.

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Site Selection & Management

Our long-standing relationships with key opinion leaders and highly performing sites, result in optimized start-up processes that deliver strong results in the least amount of time. As part of our site evaluation, our team utilizes past performance metrics, recruitment projections based on competitive landscape, and detailed feasibility surveys to determine a site’s capabilities and interest in a study.

Medical Writing

We provide expert scientific and regulatory writing services, delivering high-quality clinical study protocols designed and drafted by our team of clinical scientists, rheumatologists, and operations specialists, with contributions from clinical study coordinators, all tailored to your requirements and specifications.

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Quality Assurance

Our quality assurance service ensures the highest standards of compliance and data integrity. We implement rigorous quality control processes to identify and mitigate risks early. 

Is Now

We are excited to announce that Innovaderm is rebranding our CRO division as Indero (in-dAIR-oh). This rebranding reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and our expansion into the field of rheumatology, a therapeutic area closely linked to dermatology. As a dual-focus CRO specializing in both dermatology and rheumatology, this strategic decision marks a significant milestone for our organization, and we are eager to embark on this new chapter with our valued partners and clients. Innovaderm will continue to operate as a CRU for dermatology studies.

Site Selection & Management

Our long-standing relationships with key opinion leaders and highly performing sites, result in optimized start-up processes that deliver strong results in the least amount of time. As part of our site evaluation, our team utilizes past performance metrics, recruitment projections based on competitive landscape, and detailed feasibility surveys to determine a site’s capabilities and interest in a study.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

We orchestrate all study activities and deliverables, including site selection process, budget and contract negotiations, and patient engagement, recruitment enrollment projections, all while respecting your study timelines.