CCRA in context by Steve Toon

The creation of new medicines forms one of the world’s most significant business sectors. Those outside the industry are often surprised to find that the industry is commercially very diverse, with companies ranging in size from small biotechnology “start-ups” through to the high-profile multinationals.

The clinical contract research industry serves all these companies, large and small.

Even the biggest and most efficient pharmaceutical companies increasingly find using external clinical contract research is an efficient and flexible way to work. Taking advantage of the highly trained and experienced staff ‘on tap’ from clinical contract research companies allows the pharmaceutical industry to customise its clinical development workforce to match fluctuating needs.

Clinical contract research companies provide a very wide range of services - project management of multinational clinical trials; the execution of clinical pharmacology studies in healthy human volunteers; psychological screening services... these are just some of the highly specialised services the sector offers.

Although clinical contract research organisations work in close partnership with the pharmaceutical industry, the commercial interests and drivers of the two sectors are often different. Consequently their interface with the regulatory authorities, media and the general public may also differ.

This is why CCRA has been formed. It is the not for profit trade association which represents organisations providing clinical research services to the pharmaceutical industry.
 
In joining CCRA, organisations sign-up to a code of practice aimed at promoting high standards in two critical areas: in clinical care and welfare for individuals participating in clinical trials, and in terms of service and commercial integrity when dealing with their pharmaceutical industry clients.