In clinical development, there is a common misconception that “bigger is always better.”
Having spent a significant portion of my career at two of the world’s largest CROs, I have seen firsthand the incredible power of scale. Today, at Linical, I have gained a different perspective: scale should never come at the expense of agility, focus, and accountability.
For many sponsors, especially emerging biotech and mid-size pharma, the “Big CRO” model can sometimes feel like being a small fish in a very large, distracted pond.
Here are five key considerations when selecting your CRO partner:
1. You Are a Priority, Not a Number
At the largest CROs, “Top 10” pharmaceutical companies naturally receive the greatest attention and the most senior resources.
The Mid-Size Advantage:
At Linical, every client is a Tier 1 client. We do not simply assign teams; we build partnerships. Sponsors benefit from direct access to senior leaders and technical experts who are deeply invested in each program’s success.
2. Agility Over Bureaucracy
Large organizations are often burdened by layers of SOPs and complex governance, slowing decision-making when rapid action is needed.
The Linical Way:
We operate as a knowledge-intensive organization. Our streamlined structure enables fast problem-solving and flexible execution, including pragmatic legal and commercial processes, without relying on “one-size-fits-all” models.
3. Global Reach with Local Depth
Moving away from large CROs can raise concerns about global coverage. Linical addresses this through a strong presence across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Why It Works:
We combine global infrastructure with strong local site relationships, often the decisive factor in meeting enrollment targets, particularly in Oncology, Neurology, Endocrinology and Rare Diseases.
4. Stability and Continuity
One of the biggest pain points in the CRO industry is staff turnover. In massive organizations, project teams can feel like a revolving door.
The Mid-Size Difference:
Mid-sized organizations typically offer stronger team stability. At Linical, sponsors can expect continuity from study start-up to close-out, preserving knowledge and operational consistency.
5. Specialized Expertise: Being Strongest, Not Biggest
Our ambition is not to be the largest CRO, but the strongest in our areas of focus. We concentrate on complex therapeutic fields where deep expertise is essential. This expertise is embedded in our operations, not confined to marketing materials.
Choosing a CRO is ultimately about finding the right balance between scale, focus, and commitment. While large CROs play an important role in our industry, many sponsors benefit from the mid-size advantage: greater engagement, faster decisions, and stronger accountability. For many programs, success depends on having the Right Size, the Right Reach, and the Right Team supporting every stage of development.
At Linical, that balance is not a slogan. It is how we work.
Author:
Thierry Ingrand
Sr Director Business Development
Linical