Contract Research Organizations (CRO) are the backbone of the clinical research industry, driving research and development that leads to new therapies and treatments. With a multitude of CROs in the market, each offering a unique set of services and expertise, identifying the frontrunners in dermatology CRO arena can be a daunting task. This challenge is further amplified by the rapid pace of advancements in the field, as well as consolidations in the industry as a whole.
This article aims to address this challenge by providing an overview of the top 10 dermatology CROs.
1. Innovaderm Research Inc.
Established in 2000 by a globally recognized dermatologist, Innovaderm has carved out a unique niche in the industry as a dual focus, specialty CRO for dermatology and rheumatology. With over 25 years of experience in clinical research and trial delivery, it offers a full-service approach that includes everything from protocol design and patient recruitment to trial monitoring and data management. This comprehensive service provides biotech and pharmaceutical sponsors with the rigorous scientific foundation and tailored expertise their studies need to reach the finish line efficiently and effectively. While its headquarters are in Montreal, Canada, its operations span across the USA, Europe, LATAM and APAC, with a continuously growing network of clinicians and sites.
2. TFS HealthScience
Hailing from Lund, Sweden, TFS Health Science offers a range of services from clinical development to resourcing solutions. They specialize in dermatology, immunology, and inflammatory diseases. Their strength lies in their extensive EU coverage, cost-effective offerings, and personalized customer service. Their growth is marked by multiple acquisitions and a presence across 3 continents.
3. PPD
PPD has been a key player in the field since 1985 and a part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific group. Their commitment to clinical trial certainty and reliability truly sets them apart in the industry. They stand out by their wide-ranging expertise across 20 therapeutic areas, dermatology being one of them.
4. IQVIA Biotech
IQVIA Biotech, based in Durham, North Carolina, US, is a rebranded entity that emerged from Quintiles’ acquisition of Novella, a dermatology CRO, in 2013 and IMS in 2016, reflecting its strategic growth and commitment to industry excellence. This organization truly shines through their service offer: from preclinical asset strategy and consulting to clinical design and execution, to market launch and commercialization.
5. Symbio
Formed from the merger of Symbio and Proinnovera in fall 2023, this CRO offers support for proof-of-concept, medical devices and phase 1 to phase 4 clinical studies. Their collective expertise in both early and late-stage clinical studies positions Symbio as a strong player in the dermatology CRO industry. Notably, Symbio works in close collaboration with Dow Development Laboratories, their subsidiary.
6. Bioskin (Eurofins)
Operating primarily in Germany since 1992, this dermatology focused CRO is part of Eurofins. They offer a comprehensive range of services, making them a one-stop solution for various research needs. Furthermore, they have access to a large pool of patients, thanks to their own CRU and multiple partnerships.
7. Premier Research
Premier Research stands out as a CRO with a unique focus on rare disease research. Their comprehensive suite of services includes development consulting, global regulatory consulting and project management. A key component of their operations is the ePremier system, a unique platform they have developed. This system unifies data-driven processes, personnel, and resources, creating a synergistic environment designed to drive biotech innovation forward.
8. Therapeutics, Inc.
Therapeutics, Inc., part of the CRO landscape since 1997. Their strength lies in their dermatology expertise which is reflected in their comprehensive services. This CRO excels in product development, clinical development, and regulatory affairs.
9. Parexel
This CRO focuses on integrated clinical development. This comprehensive approach ensures a seamless transition between the different stages of the clinical trial process. Their therapeutic expertise spans across inflammation and immunology, but also neuroscience and infectious diseases, just to name a few. They set themselves apart with their innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their processes and optimize their services.
10. SGS-Proderm
This German CRO shines through their in-house clinical research units, which gives them a unique edge in conducting and managing clinical trials. Their capacities encompass scientific consulting, study design, protocol development, ethics submissions and much more.
