Contract Research Organizations (CRO)

Transforming research and access to it.

North Carolina is the undisputed  – heavyweight champion of that world.

North Carolina is home to 160+ CSOs employing nearly 27,000 people within the state and tens of thousands of others around the world.

These companies support pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies and research institutions with a wide range of services, including biopharmaceutical development, biologic assay development, commercialization, preclinical and clinical research and clinical trials management.

CSOs
160+

CSOs in NC

people employed by CSOs within NC
27,000

people employed by CSOs within NC

annual revenue
$30 billion

annual revenue

The North Carolina CRO Collaborative

A large part of North Carolina's CSO industry comprises contract research organizations (CROs) and companies focused on clinical trial management. The North Carolina CRO Collaborative was brought together to address and support the needs of the companies who operate in this subsector.

The immediate goals of the CRO Collaborative are to improve and expand clinical-based workforce development in North Carolina through curriculum enhancement and development and increase awareness of CRO industry trends and career opportunities throughout the state.

The committee is comprised of representatives from eight CROs, eight academic institutes (clinical research training programs and university-affiliated clinical site programs), supporting institutions, and one hospital system. 

Learn more about the CRO Collaborative

CRO Collaborative Graphic

Contract Service Organization Leaders

North Carolina's CSO sector is 150+ companies strong, and headlined by the sector leaders. Access to all North Carolina contract service companies companies can be found on the Company Directory.

PPD
IQVIA
Syneos Health
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