This article examines the strategic role that Contract Research Organizations (CROs) can play for small biopharmaceutical companies. It discusses the common communication challenges that small biopharma companies may face when working with a CRO and illustrates how CROs with a dedicated client navigator role, like PharPoint Research, can help enhance collaboration.
As the biopharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, the relationship between small biopharma and the CROs who serve them has become even more intertwined and partnership-focused.
While early CROs were primarily viewed as specialist firms tasked with executing routine clinical duties, that role has grown dramatically over the past two to three decades.
Today, CROs are recognized not only for their operational capabilities but also as strategic partners that can significantly influence the trajectory and success of clinical studies. This is especially true for smaller or emerging biopharmaceutical companies. With smaller in-house teams of their own, small biopharma often must rely more heavily on the support and insights a consultative CRO brings to the table.
With the success of a study in part hinging on the strength of communication and collaboration between in-house and outsourced teams, the need for effective, attentive partnerships is critical.
While the potential for fruitful partnerships exists, small biopharma companies often face what feels like an uphill battle for better alignment and attention between their own goals and a large CRO’s team.
Smaller sponsors often feel neglected by their larger CRO partners. They may perceive that they receive less attention than bigger clients, limiting their access to skilled team members, points of escalation, and senior leadership support. This lack of attention and support can impede study progress and hinder the resolution of issues, ultimately leading to dissatisfaction with the partnership.
Another potential issue is the misalignment of expectations, as disconnections between a CRO’s team (e.g., siloed business development, proposals, and operations groups) can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies during study execution.
Sponsors might find themselves facing project delays stemming from unrealistic timelines presented during initial discussions, further exacerbated by poor communication.
One effective strategy for improving the working relationship between sponsors and CROs is the introduction of a client navigator that is dedicated to improving study team alignment. This role acts as an advocate for the sponsor, ensuring their needs and goals remain at the forefront throughout the project lifecycle.
At PharPoint Research, the client navigator plays a crucial role in aligning sponsors with their CRO study teammates – from initial introduction and proposal delivery to operational execution. The client navigator can help study teams foster a consistent understanding of the sponsor’s objectives, minimizing the risk of communication breakdowns. They may also act as a direct line of support and escalation for sponsors, providing all clients – regardless of size – access to some of the most experienced team members within the CRO.
For sponsors outsourcing multiple studies or programs to a single CRO, the client navigator’s support becomes even more vital. They provide an additional layer of support that ensures efficiencies are maintained across studies, ultimately saving sponsors time and money.
Building a successful partnership with a CRO should not feel like an uphill battle. Sponsors deserve dedicated attention and collaboration throughout their projects.
Through the implementation of a client navigator role, organizations can foster a more productive and communicative relationship with their CROs, paving the way for smoother project execution and, ultimately, greater success in their clinical endeavors.
PharPoint Research is a client-focused CRO that provides consultative support through the planning, management, and analysis of Phase 1-4 clinical trials. For more information about how PharPoint’s approach (including the role of PharPoint’s client navigator) supports transparency and operational success, reach out to our team.
RELATED RESOURCES