Contract Research Organizations (CROs) are key players in the clinical research world, aiding drug/biotech companies through the complicated process of bringing new drugs to market. With their experience in clinical trials, data management, and regulatory requirements, CROs guarantee that drug development is efficient and adequate to the health industry levels.
One such CRO that is making significant waves is ClinDatrix, Inc. Reputed for its dedication to quality and timely responses and excellent scientific heritage, ClinDatrix has earned a favorable reputation for its reliable results and strong client relations.
Leading the way is Co-founder, Chief Financial Officer, and Chairman of the Board, Brian G. Murphy. A background in engineering and medical sciences saw Brian steer ClinDatrix into being a trusted partner for many in the clinical research arena. Under his leadership, the company continues to offer high-quality personalized service to its clients.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
To begin, can you tell us a bit about your professional background and what led you to your current role in the CRO industry?
I graduated in electrical engineering and then moved to the medical field by doing a Masters in Experimental Medicine and a PhD in physiology. After several jobs in the medical device industry in California, I co-founded ClinDatrix with my wife Louise who also got a PhD in Physiology and an MBA from UC Irvine. She was CEO, and I was CFO, Chairman of the Board and VP of Business Development. We formed a strong team committed to high professional standards.
Could you share a brief overview of your company’s journey and how it has evolved within the contract research space?
ClinDatrix was founded on the belief that it could offer higher quality and much better responsiveness to emerging biopharma companies. This has proven to be true as shown by the fact that all of our projects have been completed successfully in a timely manner. We often get repeat business, and nobody has ever cancelled a contract with us. There has never been a case of mediocre performance.
What are the core services your organization provides, and how do they support end-to-end drug development for your clients?
The core services are Clinical Project Management, Data Management, Biostatistics, Medical Safety and Medical Writing.
What differentiates your company from other CROs in today’s competitive landscape?
Number one is responsiveness. We never allow ourselves to be the cause for holding up a project. In-depth staff experience results in all issues being resolved quickly without sudden time-consuming surprises.
How is your organization integrating innovation and technology to enhance clinical research operations and outcomes?
We purchased a perpetual, royalty free license of InForm from Oracle Life Sciences which we run on our own servers, thereby eliminating waiting periods caused by third parties. We have total control when designing an electronic data capture (EDC) database and especially when updates to the EDC database are required.
Can you highlight any recent milestones, acquisitions, or strategic expansions that demonstrate your current growth trajectory?
We have not acquired any companies but still maintain 92% stock ownership with no VCs to contend with. Hence, we have been able to adjust quickly to changing market demand for CRO services.
How do you approach global regulatory compliance and quality assurance across multiple regions and therapeutic areas?
Our US based staff is rich in experience with multiple therapeutic areas. However, for global international studies, we rely on other CRO partners that are large enough to be competent in their country but small enough that we can readily talk to them directly. They provide local CRA and regulatory services while we maintain control of the EDC database and the precious data.
What internal values, leadership strategies, or cultural principles contribute most to your organization’s performance and client satisfaction?
Again, number one is responsiveness. Next comes transparency. Then comes collaboration. We do not seek to take away a project from a sponsor. Instead we seek to collaborate with their staff. The sponsor is happy to be able to visibly see everything moving forward as though our staff was their staff.
Which emerging trends or shifts in the industry do you believe will reshape the CRO sector in the next 3–5 years?
We do not foresee major transformations. Double blind placebo controlled clinical trials will continue to be the norm. Minor improvements in software and technology will continue. The ongoing need for supreme data accuracy will not be compatible with artificial intelligence innovations that always seem to require vigilant human oversight.
What advice would you offer to pharmaceutical and biotech companies when selecting a CRO partner in today’s evolving environment?
Look for a small CRO! Make sure that bid proposals address all the anticipated needs of the project.
