The drug development process consists of many separate steps, from a molecule in the lab to a drug on the market, each requiring specialized knowledge and expertise. It can take a decade, cost a billion dollars, and most importantly it requires great depth of experienced staff. Few except multinational companies can complete projects of this scale and complexity, and the success rate is low.
An emerging model in drug development is to break the process into smaller and more manageable pieces and outsource them to specialized service providers, including Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). The CRO industry in the developed world grew tremendously in the 1990s, and that growth has now moved to emerging markets; the Chinese CRO market grew by 52% and 38% in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
Using the modular approach with strong project management, it is possible for companies to assemble the whole process of development and achieve quality results by themselves in a cost- and time-efficient way. There are around 150 full-service or specialty CROs in China, offering services covering custom synthesis, drug discovery, preclinical and clinical trials, registration and data management. For international companies wishing to develop drugs or devices in China, CROs provide an alternative to building a sophisticated operation in a foreign culture from scratch.
Modular R&D has developed a thorough understanding of the Chinese CRO industry, including the strengths and weaknesses of individual CROs, to match your special product needs with the right CRO. However, our service starts before the decision to enter China. From teaching you the fundamentals of the Chinese development environment, to helping you design the best China strategy, to being your team in China for project management and effective communication, we make it easy for you to leverage your strengths and stay in control of the process from beginning to end.