This Life Science Insights study provides analysis of case studies that document the successful approaches of companies that leverage contract research organizations (CROs) to aid in drug development initiatives. The goal of this study is to identify specific contract research buying trends and patterns while also providing an overview of best practices and lessons learned.

Life Science Insights expects trial sponsors will continue to beef up their research outsourcing functions and will develop replicable tools to ensure the success of every step of the outsourcing project. We also believe that sponsors will increase their interest in establishing risk sharing in CRO contracts, despite the fact that many CROs do not engage in risk sharing at this time.

"Sponsors and CROs must set attainable and measurable goals in order to maximize value and minimize risk. We believe clinical trials management solutions and other technologies will increasingly be leveraged to measure and monitor these goals," said Ellen Julian, research director responsible for pharmaceutical outsourcing coverage at Life Science Insights.