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Academia vs Larger CROs:Why a Bespoke Approach is Best

When it comes to outsourcing preclinical pharmaceutical development, there are two main approaches to consider – the speciality CRO or academic approach or the large CRO approach. While big CROs often dominate the development services industry with their vast resources and global reach, smaller bespoke CROs and academic institutes bring something unique to the table – an in-depth scientific and customized outlook.

At the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT), we’ve taken the personalised and more academic approach. We thrive on our ability to adapt and tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each project. In this blog, we'll explore how this sets us apart from the competition and in particular bigger CRO’s, giving your project the depth, it deserves.

Exterior of the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics buildingWhat is the ICT?

As a cancer research institute, the ICT specialises in developing its own novel cancer therapeutic candidates, some of which have been successfully spun out. It has harnessed the multidisciplinary skills and knowhow from this research to function as a small contract research organization (CRO) with a dedicated delivery and business team, providing tailored services that prioritise problem solving, responsiveness, and academic expertise. This unique combination allows the ICT to offer a custom-made experience with the added benefit of deep scientific knowledge.

ICT vs Large CRO’s: Key Differences

The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) which embodies a personalised, client-focused approach. Here’s a list of some of the ways the ICT functions when compared to big CRO companies:

  • Bespoke vs. Scale: The ICT excels in offering bespoke services tailored to specific needs to quickly progress your cancer therapeutic. We have small multiskilled teams working together across disciplines such as medicinal chemistry, preclinical pharmacology and DMPK.
  • Flexibility vs. Bureaucracy: The ICT’s adaptability allows for quicker decision-making and adjustment to new data or challenges, particularly for research-based programs. Big CRO’s may struggle with agility, often leading to slower changes of project scope.
  • Client Engagement: We maintain close relationships with our clients, providing more direct regular communication and customised solutions and detailed reports. For example, our academic experts work as consultants for a number of oncology Biotech companies.
  • Innovation vs. Resources: While big CROs have the resources to fund large-scale projects we find ways to be more innovative, providing solutions based on experienced academic know-how and years of problem solving.

These differences highlight why a bespoke approach is increasingly valued in today's fast moving drug development landscape. Let’s take a closer look at how the ICT can benefit you and what you can expect when working with us.

Experience a Personalised Approach with the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics

We can give your project the custom-made attention it deserves. Our years of experience and talent for adapting quickly to change, sets us apart from the more generalised and rigid structures found within larger contract research organisations. Here are some of the top benefits we have to offer.

Tailored Preclinical Screening Programs

Our primary strength lies in our ability to design and implement bespoke screening programs that are meticulously crafted to maximise the potential benefits for therapeutic development. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach often seen in big CROs; we focus on creating customised solutions that are precisely aligned with your requirements. We carefully take into consideration your needs and work with them in a way that suits you.

Teams led by Experts with Diverse Skills

Our teams are led by seasoned experts with over 25 years of experience in preclinical pharmacology and DMPK. This brings a depth of knowledge that few can match. Such experience translates into a nuanced understanding of how to design studies that are not only relevant but also insightful, leading to more informed decision-making and better outcomes for drug development.

Offering a broad range of expertise in both in vivo and in vitro techniques we can select the most appropriate research studies that are specifically suited to advancing a particular therapeutic.

Our experience spans a variety of modalities, including:

  • Small chemical molecules
  • Peptides
  • Antibodies
  • Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
  • New formulations
  • Drug delivery systems

This extensive knowledge ensures that we can handle complex and varied projects with the precision and flexibility that big CRO’s more standardised approach might lack.

Why Choose the ICT?

For a bespoke, flexible and experienced approach, the ICT does it all. We offer a level of service and knowledge that is uniquely suited to advancing cancer therapeutic development. Our focus on tailored screening programs and meticulous regulatory compliance ensures that we deliver results that are perfectly aligned with the specific needs of each project. In a field where precision and adaptability are essential, we’re ready to provide the personalised solutions that drive innovation and success.

To learn more about our services, fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch.