What it is
A clinical research organization (CRO) is a company that provides research support to organizations that sponsor clinical trials. You will also see it called a contract research organization. Sponsors are often pharmaceutical, biotechnology or medical device companies that want to study whether a product is safe and works as intended.
Clinical research organization services can cover many parts of a trial, such as study design support, site coordination, data management, regulatory paperwork and safety reporting. Which services a given CRO offers varies from one company to the next.
This is a completely different meaning of the same three letters. A chief revenue officer is an executive who oversees how a business grows revenue across sales, marketing and customer success. Fierce CRO's network focuses on chief revenue officers, including fractional chief revenue officers, and does not list clinical research organizations.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, sponsors have either run trials with their own teams or hired outside specialists to handle some or all of the work. Clinical trial outsourcing is a long-established way to add expertise or capacity without building every function in-house.
The CRO sponsor relationship is usually set out in a written agreement that defines which responsibilities each side takes on. Some sponsors hand over a full trial, while others outsource only specific tasks, such as monitoring or data work.
Clinical trials are commonly described in stages known as clinical trial phases, generally numbered from early to late. Each phase has its own goals, and the support a sponsor needs can change from one phase to the next. Sponsors and CROs typically work within regulatory requirements, such as those of the FDA in the United States.
How the right CRO may help
If you meant the revenue kind of CRO, the right fractional chief revenue officer may help a growing company bring its sales, marketing and customer success efforts into better alignment. That is a possibility, not a promise, and results depend on many factors.
A first conversation with a fractional chief revenue officer is generally a chance to talk through your goals, your current sales process and how you might work together. Helpful questions include: What kinds of companies have you worked with? How do you typically structure an engagement? How would we measure progress together?
Engagements can take different forms, such as a retainer or a placement arrangement based on a percentage of salary. Directory CROs are independent and responsible for their own representations and credentials, so please verify backgrounds yourself and confirm any engagement terms with your own counsel.
The bigger picture
Choosing the right kind of partner can weigh on you, whether you're a founder worrying about growth or someone trying to understand a clinical trial. Getting the terminology straight is a small step that can bring real peace of mind and save time.
If you are researching clinical trials because of a personal health situation, please talk with your healthcare provider, who can guide you based on your circumstances. If you're a professional weighing business decisions, taking time to learn first can help you feel more settled. Providers.plus may also be a helpful resource for health-related questions.
Every approach to research and to revenue leadership has its place, and the right fit depends on your needs.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical, legal, tax or employment advice.
- Fierce CRO is an independent directory and does not list or vouch for clinical research organizations.
- Directory CROs are independent, and we cannot guarantee any match, introduction, hire or business outcome.
- Confirm any engagement terms with your own counsel before you sign.
Guides in this topic
CRO types
Chief Revenue Officer — Biotech
fractional CRO for biotech companies · commercial strategy approaching a product launch · revenue leadership through commercialization
Chief Revenue Officer — Healthcare
fractional CRO for healthcare companies · growth strategy for healthcare businesses · payer and provider relationship strategy
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical research organization?
A clinical research organization is a company that supports sponsors in running clinical trials. It may help with tasks like study management, data handling and regulatory documentation. The exact services depend on the company and the agreement.
Is a clinical research organization the same as a contract research organization?
Yes, the two terms are generally used to mean the same type of company. "Contract" highlights that the work is done under an agreement with a sponsor. Both are abbreviated CRO.
What do CROs do in clinical trials?
CRO clinical trials support can include helping plan a study, coordinating research sites, managing data and assisting with safety and regulatory reporting. Sponsors choose which tasks to outsource. Services differ from one CRO to another.
What are the clinical trial phases?
Clinical trial phases are the stages a study generally moves through, usually numbered from early to late. Each phase has different goals, and requirements are set by regulators and the study's design. Your healthcare provider or the study team can explain a specific trial.
How does the CRO sponsor relationship work?
The CRO sponsor relationship is typically defined in a written agreement that outlines each party's responsibilities. Sponsors often remain accountable for the trial overall, so clear communication matters. Anyone entering such an agreement should have their own counsel review it.
Is a clinical research organization the same as a fractional chief revenue officer?
No. A clinical research organization supports clinical trials, while a fractional chief revenue officer is a part-time or flexible executive who may help a company grow revenue. Fierce CRO's directory focuses only on chief revenue officers, so look for our fractional chief revenue officer pages if that is what you need.
Educational resource. Fierce CRO shares general information and connects people with independent CROs. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.