Is there room in the Pharma industry for small niche providers?
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Written by, Candida Fratazzi MD
Clinical Strategy and Trial Design Specialist
Boston Biotech Clinical Research
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As many Pharma companies scramble to partner with large CRO’s, is there still room in the industry for the small niche provider?
Over 70 comments from Pharma professionals with both client and vendor experience contributed:
While many Pharma groups are seduced by the size of larger CRO’s that offer a “one stop shop” and reduced costs, many believe that smaller niche providers are better positioned to provide local knowledge and understanding the client’s exact requirements, while building closer and more involved relationships that deliver quicker project turnaround and high quality flexible services. Of course, this is only the case provided that the niche provider can differentiate itself by offering specialist knowledge and experience.
Digging further into the opinions reveals that the question is a multifaceted one. But given the array of client demands that need to be met and the complexity of relationships between sponsors, clients and CRO’s – both large and small – the overriding view appears to be that there continues to be a place for smaller players in the Pharma industry.
Opinions within the industry appear to suggest that small niche service can provide:
1. specialist knowledge and experience
2. be local to where the sponsor wants them to be located
3. compete on cost and reliability of service
4. build a strong relationship with the sponsor
5. offer flexibility of service and involvement
6. quality - response time - and decreased turnover
7. very much become an extension of the client's in-house team
Have your say!!
What are your views on the role of niche providers in the current evolution of the Pharma industry?