Find Your Biotech Partner—Faster

A CRO (Contract Research Organization) assists with research and clinical trial services, focusing on preclinical and clinical stages. A CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) offers comprehensive services including drug development, production, and scaling. A CMO (Contract Manufacturing Organization) specializes primarily in manufacturing, scaling up production to meet demand. 

Consider their area of expertise, track record in your therapeutic area, compliance with regulations, and communication practices. Ensure alignment with your startup’s needs for flexibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness. 

Evaluate their development and manufacturing capabilities, technology platforms, scalability, quality assurance, and experience with similar products. Look for transparency, project management skills, and regulatory compliance. 

Ask about capacity for production scaling, examples of completed projects, timelines, quality control, compliance, and handling challenges. 

Location can impact logistics, regulatory considerations, and communication. Proximity may help collaboration, while international partners might offer cost benefits or specialized expertise. Ensure regulatory compliance for your market. 

Timelines vary with complexity and project phase. Early-stage development can take 6-18 months. Full-scale manufacturing timelines depend on batch size and regulatory requirements. 

Verify certifications (e.g., GMP, GLP), strong quality control, and adherence to FDA or EMA standards. Conduct audits and maintain open communication. 

Pricing depends on service scope, complexity, and timelines. CRO services can range from thousands to millions, and CDMO partnerships often involve negotiated long-term contracts. 

Yes, integrated service providers offer solutions from research and development to manufacturing, streamlining processes and potentially shortening timelines. Ensure alignment with your project scope. 

Common challenges include project delays, unexpected costs, communication issues, and quality control. Partner with a vetted organization with clear project management practices to mitigate these risks. 

When choosing a CRO, CDMO, or CMO, ensure compliance with key regulations. In the U.S., this includes FDA regulations such as 21 CFR Parts 11, 58, 210-211, 312, and 820 for electronic records, GLP, CGMP, and investigational drugs. The European Union mandates compliance with EudraLex Volume 4 (EU GMP), Directive 2001/83/EC, and Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 for clinical trials. Internationally, ensure adherence to ICH GCP for clinical practices and WHO GMP standards. For data handling, check compliance with GDPR (EU) and HIPAA (U.S.). For biologics, FDA 21 CFR Part 600 and EMA ATMP Regulation (1394/2007) are crucial.

Review case studies, client references, and the partner’s track record in similar projects. Check for publications, patents, or testimonials relevant to your field. 

A CDMO manages the transition from small-scale clinical production to commercial-scale manufacturing, handling process optimization, scalability, and regulatory filings. 

Choose partners with transparent reporting practices and dedicated project managers. Regular updates, milestones, and review meetings help maintain oversight. 

Contracts vary from fixed-price agreements for specific phases to long-term partnerships with cost-sharing or milestone-based terms. Ensure clear scope and terms. 

Most CROs/CDMOs offer non-disclosure agreements to protect client IP. Clarify terms related to data ownership and patent rights before engagement. 

Confirm that the CRO/CDMO complies with data protection regulations and follows best practices for cybersecurity. Ensure they have a secure data infrastructure.

Look for certifications such as GMP, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 for medical devices. These indicate compliance with high manufacturing and quality standards. 

CROs/CDMOs typically prepare documents such as Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, New Drug Applications (NDA), Biologics License Applications (BLA), Clinical Study Reports (CSR), Investigator Brochures (IB), and regulatory briefing packages. They may also assist with Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) documentation, protocols, and safety reports to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. 

Discuss flexibility and amendment clauses in your contract to accommodate project scope changes. Ensure your partner can adapt timelines and resources to your needs. 

Avoid inadequate due diligence, unclear communication, and vague contract terms. Choose experienced partners and establish clear expectations from the start. 

Ensure there are predefined escalation procedures and a buffer in timelines. Regular status meetings and a dedicated project manager help mitigate potential delays. 

Yes, many CROs/CDMOs offer tailored support for startups, including advisory services, phased project approaches, and flexible contract terms to fit tighter budgets. 

Review their financial statements, client portfolio, and long-term contracts. Financial stability is crucial to ensure that they can sustain operations throughout your project. 

Expect regular updates, detailed reports, and an open line for feedback. Agree on communication frequency and preferred platforms to align with your project’s needs. 

Added services may include regulatory consulting, data analysis, formulation development, or supply chain management. Confirm these offerings to maximize value.