A clinical trial consultant is vital when your business needs specialized pharmaceutical industry knowledge to bring a new product through clinical trials to market. With their vast resources, clinical drug trial consultants help pharmaceutical organizations create efficient clinical trial services resulting in successful products developed in a shorter time period. A clinical research consultant manages clinical trial schedules, patient enrollment targets and regulatory approval while focusing on optimal return on investment.

Before beginning your search for clinical trial consulting firms, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your clinical trials consultancy, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best clinical trials consultant to meet your specific needs.

When selecting clinical trial experts for your organization, research each consulting practice and evaluate the following:

1. How much experience do the clinical research consultants have in developing cost-effective products for your business market?

2. What services do the drug development consulting agencies provide to increase clinical trial efficiency and reduce operational expenses?

3. How much should your business invest in clinical trial consulting services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire clinical drug trial consultants who specialize in your market

Select drug development consultants who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business sector. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Phoenix has experience in the pharmaceutical, food and medical device industries, and features online success stories. Averion International provides clinical trial consulting for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies with a strong focus in oncology, cardiology and medical devices. ClinDev Global specializes in clinical development services for large pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, venture capital firms and health centers with a clinical research focus.

Choose clinical research consulting firms with reputable skills

Review the services offered provided by several clinical trial consulting firms. Evaluate each firm's experience and qualifications, and request successful examples similar in scope to your upcoming clinical trial.

I recommend: Campbell Alliance provides a range of clinical development service offerings such as improved operational efficiency, electronic data capture and strategic change. Octagon Research Solutions helps organizations implement Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium models and manages changes associated with new processes, technologies and training. Chiltern offers global Phase I to Phase IV clinical trial services, including early phase, global clinical development, late phase, biometrics, medical and regulatory affairs and resourcing solutions.

Select a clinical trial consulting service that meets your budget

Many clinical trial consultant agencies utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects, while others operate on a project-based or retainer contract. Your consultant drug development cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Request a quote for clinical trial consulting services at PRO Consulting. Get a price estimate for clinical trial monitoring, training and consulting services at Clinical Research Resources.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that it is written into your contract that the clinical research consultant will not provide services to any competing product or business during the course of your professional relationship. Require a signed confidentiality agreement.