More medical research is conducted per capita in Scotland than anywhere else in Europe, creating substantial opportunities for contract research organisations (CROs). Global spend on outsourced research and development is predicted to reach $26 billion by 2010, representing an average annual growth rate of 16.3 per cent.
A strong local health infrastructure and an established network of pharmaceutical clinical trials support groups and contract research organisations contribute to a thriving industry in Scotland.
The contract research industry in Scotland
The 65-plus contract research organisations in Scotland comprise home-grown companies and major international corporations. They undertake both clinical and pre-clinical activities and employ in excess of 2500 staff.
- Clinicians in Scotland have developed long-standing clinical and biomedical expertise complemented by more fundamental research in Scottish Universities.
- Scotland has invested significantly in world-class clinical research facilities, and collaboration across the NHS makes it the ideal location for multi-centred trials.
There is an increasing requirement for more specialist trials to be carried out, and Scotland’s contract research organisations have extensive experience in this area. Several Scottish CROs are also involved in developing new pre-clinical techniques that help drug development companies identify problem drugs earlier in the process.
Contract research organisations – Scotland’s strengths
Contract research organisations in Scotland are engaged in large-scale global research programmes on behalf of companies based throughout the world. Scottish CROs carry out world-leading research across a wide spectrum of health areas and have much to offer companies looking to outsource research and development of vital importance.
- The University of Dundee has been voted the best European scientific institution to work in and exceeds Cambridge and Oxford Universities in life science citations.
- There is a significant presence of specialised staff working within contract research organisations in Scotland.
- Scotland can also offer a large pool of life science students/graduates.
- Scottish contract research organisations benefit from easy access to customers and suppliers.
- Scotland is a cost-effective option, with patents being 25 per cent cheaper to obtain compared with several competing locations.
We offer a wide range of support services for contract research organisations, and all other sectors of Scottish life sciences.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help, whether you represent a contract services organisation, or are looking to obtain the services of a CRO in Scotland.