Clinical Research: Common Challenges In Sponsor-CRO Relationship

By Cindy Fazzi

Life science companies rely on contract research organizations to complement in-house work in times of growth and expansion, but they also rely on CROs to reduce costs in times of financial downturn.

Not only are clinical trials being outsourced, there is a growing trend toward hiring foreign CROs to conduct clinical trials overseas, a practice known as "offshoring." Whether domestic or overseas, it is likely that outsourcing of clinical research will continue to grow. This makes the sponsor-CRO relationship more critical than ever. How can both parties build an effective relationship? How can they turn a transactional relationship into an enduring partnership?

Let's explore these questions by taking a closer look at some of the common challenges faced by sponsors and CROs.