NTTS 2017

A contract research organization (CRO) is an organization that provides support to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries in the form of research services outsourced on a contract basis. One global CRO called PPD has taken the initiative to create a formal immuno-Oncology (IO) program to help sponsors develop their IO agents in the most efficient manner. At PPD, with our siginificant experience in IO drug development, we have developed an IO center of excellence (IOCOE) and created a formal IO training program that ensures all team members at both the CRO and sponsor will be properly trained to manage all IO clinical trials. At PPD we have have an understanding of the development strategy for IO agents which includes regulatory considerations, competitive landscape, enrollment challenges and operational considerations. A collaboration between sponsors and a CRO that has a unique understanding of the IO development area can have beneficial outcomes that can impact the succesful delivery of effective IO drugs to patients.