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How do I choose a CRO specializing in microbiome research?


How do I choose a CRO specializing in microbiome research?

As microbiome research continues to grow, the number of contract research organizations (CRO) that fund, carry out, and oversee associated microbiome research, diagnostics, and therapies is increasing. Therefore, several important factors must be taken into account when choosing a CRO in order to guarantee safe and successful microbiome study, especially when it comes to microbiome profiling. The organization's adherence to scientific protocols, the staff's experience, and the quality of its clinical and research procedures should all be taken into consideration during the selection process. 


Key Components to consider when selecting a CRO

Before selecting a CRO it is important to clarify the goals of the study. By doing so, it is easy to narrow down the organizations that align best with the goals that need to be achieved. Once this has been clearly defined, the selection process can proceed.


  • Research the organization and previous work that had been done

It is always important to begin the selection process by doing some research on the organization and their expertise and focus area. Making sure that their focus area aligns with what is expected in the study. It is also crucial to look into their previous work to evaluate their history of successful trials, and completion rates (Messersmith, 2012).


  • Selecting the appropriate patient population

It is important to look into whether the organization recruits participants for the clinical study. A successful clinical trial organization makes the best use of the studies participants and budget. To do this, the organization needs to choose trials that fit well with the participant population, the trial type and phase. The participant pool plays a key role in how many volunteers can likely be enrolled (J Oncol, 2008).


  • Conducting In-house studies

When choosing a CRO, look into whether they conduct in-house studies or collaborative studies. Organizations with active in-house studies often have control, flexibility, allow for careful control of study parameters, and timely completion when carrying out the study. 


  • Ethical and Regulatory knowledge

Making sure a CRO maintains strong ethical standards and transparency is essential. Since human subjects and sensitive data are frequently used in microbiome research, ethical considerations are essential. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable about regulatory regulations, and adhering to FDA and other regulatory bodies. This is essential for guaranteeing the trial's integrity (Mandy et al., 2015).


Conclusion

Selecting the right CRO is essential and should align with the company’s goals, interests, and values. In this fast-paced area of research, the right organization can enhance your contributions and help in advancing in microbiome science. At Sequential, we specialize in conducting in-house clinical research, ensuring that each study is tailored to meet your specific needs. We carefully recruit suitable volunteers for each study, adhering strictly to all ethical and regulatory guidelines to maintain the highest standards of integrity and safety. Our team is dedicated to customizing every aspect of the research process, from study design to participant selection, allowing us to deliver relevant and actionable results that align with your goals. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to provide comprehensive support throughout the research process in the clinical microbiome study. 


References

Identifying and selecting a clinical trial for your practice. J Oncol Pract. 2008 Jan;4(1):27-8. 

doi: 10.1200/JOP.0814602. PMID: 20859441; PMCID: PMC2793943.


Mandy, Bowen., Otis, Evans., NC, Stephen, Terry. (2015). 5. CRO, TLF, SOP? OMG!: A 

Beginner's Guide to the Clinical Research Organization.   


Messersmith, E. (2012). How to Select and Oversee Contract Research Organizations. 

Global Clinical Trials Playbook, 39–55. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-415787-3.00005-9

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