Premier Research Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1989, Premier Research is a global contract research organization (CRO) specializing in clinical development services for the biotechnology, specialty pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. The company is dedicated to transforming innovative ideas and breakthrough science into new medical treatments, focusing on complex conditions and underserved patient populations. With a presence in over 20 countries, Premier Research offers comprehensive services, including clinical trial management, regulatory consulting, data management, biostatistics, medical writing, and pharmacovigilance. The company's therapeutic expertise spans areas such as oncology, rare diseases, pediatrics, neuroscience, and analgesia.

Key Strategic Focus

Premier Research's strategic focus centers on delivering tailored clinical development programs that address the unique challenges of complex therapeutic areas. The company emphasizes patient-centric approaches, leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies to optimize study design and execution. By concentrating on rare diseases, oncology, pediatrics, and neuroscience, Premier Research aims to expedite the development of treatments for conditions with significant unmet medical needs. The organization also prioritizes strategic partnerships and acquisitions to enhance its service offerings and global reach.

Financials and Funding

As of April 2025, Premier Research reported annual revenues of approximately $750 million, with a workforce of around 2,600 employees. The company has raised a total of $1.8 million in funding. In 2016, Premier Research was acquired by Metalmark Capital, a private equity firm, indicating a strategic investment to support the company's growth and expansion initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Premier Research collaborates with clients to advance a diverse pipeline of clinical programs across various therapeutic areas. The company's expertise in managing complex clinical trials, particularly in rare diseases and oncology, positions it as a valuable partner in bringing innovative treatments to market. While specific pipeline details are proprietary to their clients, Premier Research's involvement spans all phases of clinical development, from early-stage studies to post-marketing surveillance.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Premier Research distinguishes itself through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies in clinical trial management. The company utilizes web-based portal solutions, electronic data capture systems, and proprietary project management software to enhance trial efficiency and data quality. These technological capabilities enable Premier Research to accelerate the execution of clinical trials and deliver high-quality, conclusive data to sponsors.

Leadership Team

Premier Research's leadership team comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in clinical research and development:

• Michael G. W. Bridge: Appointed as Chief Executive Officer in March 2024, Mr. Bridge brings over 20 years of experience in the CRO and healthcare sectors.

• Dr. Krista Armstrong: Named Chief Medical Officer in July 2023, Dr. Armstrong has extensive experience in medical leadership and clinical development across various therapeutic areas.

• Michael P. Arlotto, Ph.D.: Serving as Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Arlotto oversees global operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality clinical development services.

• Abby E. Abraham: As Chief Information Officer, Mr. Abraham leads the company's information technology strategy, focusing on integrating advanced technologies into clinical trial processes.

• Susan S. Schlicht: In her role as Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Schlicht is responsible for talent management and organizational development.

Leadership Changes

In March 2024, Michael G. W. Bridge succeeded Ludo Reynders as Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, in July 2023, Dr. Krista Armstrong was appointed as Chief Medical Officer, reflecting the company's commitment to strengthening its leadership team to support strategic growth and innovation.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global contract research organization (CRO) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing R&D investments, the complexity of clinical trials, and the demand for specialized services. Premier Research operates in a competitive landscape alongside several key players.

Competitor Analysis

Premier Research's primary competitors include:

• ICON plc: A global CRO offering comprehensive clinical development and commercialization services, with a strong presence in various therapeutic areas.

• Parexel: One of the largest CROs worldwide, providing a wide range of clinical research services, including clinical trial management, data management, and regulatory consulting.

• LabCorp (Covance): A leading CRO offering drug development services, including preclinical and clinical trial management, with extensive laboratory capabilities.

• QPS: A CRO specializing in preclinical and clinical research services, focusing on bioanalysis and pharmacokinetics.

• Emmes: A full-service CRO providing clinical research support across various therapeutic areas, emphasizing collaborative partnerships.

Premier Research differentiates itself through its focus on complex therapeutic areas, patient-centric approaches, and the integration of advanced technologies in clinical trial management.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Premier Research has engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its service offerings:

• TrialHub Partnership: In 2024, Premier Research partnered with TrialHub to improve patient feasibility in clinical trials, aiming to enhance patient recruitment and retention strategies.

• Centogene AG Integration: The company integrated with Centogene AG to leverage multiomic technologies, underscoring its commitment to innovation and precision medicine.

Operational Insights

Premier Research's strategic considerations include:

• Patient-Centric Approach: Emphasizing the importance of patient engagement and centricity in clinical trial design and execution.

• Technological Integration: Utilizing advanced technologies to streamline clinical trial processes and improve data quality.

• Therapeutic Expertise: Focusing on complex and underserved therapeutic areas to address significant unmet medical needs.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Premier Research aims to:

• Expand Service Offerings: Enhance capabilities in emerging therapeutic areas and advanced treatment modalities.

• Strengthen Global Presence: Increase operations in key international markets to support global clinical trials.

• Invest in Innovation: Continue integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve clinical trial efficiency and outcomes.

• Foster Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with industry leaders to enhance service capabilities and market reach.

Contact Information

• Website: www.premier-research.com

• LinkedIn: Premier Research LinkedIn Page

• Headquarters: Morrisville, North Carolina, USA