When it comes to the pharmaceutical industry, there are two types of organizations that play a major role in the development of drugs and medical devices: clinical research organizations (CROs) and contract research organizations (CROs). While both of these organizations provide services related to clinical trials, there are some key differences between them. A clinical research organization (CRO) is a company that specializes in managing clinical trials. They create comprehensive but efficient monitoring plans to ensure the integrity of the trials and provide innovative tools to increase efficiency and reduce time and costs.
On the other hand, a contract research organization (CRO) is a company that provides a wider range of services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. This includes everything from drug discovery to clinical trials and beyond. A sponsor may or may not choose to use a CRO, depending on their needs. When it comes to planning and starting clinical trials, both CROs and CROs offer the knowledge, technological capabilities, and recruitment techniques necessary for success.
This includes creating the clinical plan and protocol, obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory authorities and ethics committees, and providing active clinical monitoring to identify potential problems at an early stage. The MED Institute is an example of a full-service contract research organization with more than 35 years of experience in designing and executing clinical trials. They offer services ranging from initial feasibility studies to multinational, controlled fundamental trials and post-market registrations. In conclusion, while both CROs and CROs provide services related to clinical trials, there are some key differences between them.
A CRO specializes in managing clinical trials while a CRO offers a wider range of services for the pharmaceutical industry. The MED Institute is an example of a full-service contract research organization.