Tekton Research Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Tekton Research is a multi-site clinical trial organization specializing in Phase 1-4 trials across various therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, cardiometabolic, general medicine, and infectious diseases. The company's mission is to accelerate the development of new therapies by partnering with sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and biopharmaceutical companies, all while maintaining a strong commitment to patient-centered care. With over 25 research sites across nine states and more than 25,000 participants enrolled since its inception, Tekton Research has established itself as a significant entity in the clinical research industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Tekton Research's strategic focus centers on delivering high-quality, patient-centered clinical trials with rapid study activation and enrollment. The company emphasizes:

Core Objectives: Accelerating the development of new therapies through efficient and effective clinical trials.

Areas of Specialization: Conducting Phase 1-4 trials in neuroscience, cardiometabolic, general medicine, and infectious diseases.

Key Technologies Utilized: Implementing centralized study operations, standardized workflows, and flexible staffing to ensure speed, consistency, and quality across all sites.

Primary Markets Targeted: Collaborating with sponsors, CROs, and biopharmaceutical companies to conduct trials across diverse U.S. communities.

Financials and Funding

In September 2023, Tekton Research received a majority investment from Havencrest Capital Management, a Dallas-based healthcare private equity firm. This partnership aims to expand Tekton's network of investigators, improve clinical trial access for underrepresented patient communities, and continue delivering high-quality data to clients.

Pipeline Development

Tekton Research has been involved in numerous clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. Notably, in July 2025, the company partnered with Summit Clinical Research to expand into MASH/NASH trials, marking its entry into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis research. This collaboration leverages Summit's expertise to optimize site readiness and streamline protocol implementation.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Tekton Research distinguishes itself through several technological and methodological innovations:

Proprietary Technologies: Utilizing a physician-integrated research model that combines clinical expertise with centralized infrastructure to ensure rapid study start-up and high-quality data.

Significant Scientific Methods: Employing standardized study start-up and regulatory workflows, along with flexible staffing and centralized quality assurance across all sites, to maintain consistency and efficiency.

AI-Driven Capabilities: While specific AI-driven technologies are not detailed, the company's emphasis on rapid study activation and enrollment suggests the use of advanced data management and analytics tools to optimize trial processes.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Tekton Research comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in clinical research and healthcare:

Kip McKenzie: Founder and Board Member, leading the company's strategic direction and growth initiatives.

Corey Collins: Chief Executive Officer, appointed in October 2025, bringing over 20 years of financial and operational leadership experience across the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.

Taryn Collett: Chief Operating Officer, overseeing daily operations and ensuring the company's commitment to operational excellence.

Timothy Ryan: Chief Financial Officer, managing the company's financial strategies and growth.

Jeffrey Zucker: Chief Development Officer, focusing on business development and strategic partnerships.

Shannon Hall: Vice President, Human Resources, responsible for talent acquisition and organizational development.

Melissa O'Connell: Vice President, Commercial Operations, leading commercial strategies and partnerships.

Industry Overview and Competitor Profile

The clinical trial site network industry is characterized by growing demand for efficient and high-quality clinical trials across diverse therapeutic areas. Companies like Tekton Research are expanding their capabilities to meet this demand, focusing on rapid study start-up, patient recruitment, and retention.

Key competitors in the clinical trial site network industry include:

Summit Clinical Research: An international Integrated Research Organization with a network of 120 sites, specializing in MASH and liver disease trials.

Paradigm Clinical Research: A founder-owned clinical trial network with investments from Rubicon Founders and Oak HC/FT, operating dedicated clinical trial sites across various therapeutic areas.

Profound Research: A clinical trial network with investments from Rubicon Founders and Oak HC/FT, embedding dedicated staff, technology, and equipment to support clinical trials by independent physician groups.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Tekton Research has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its capabilities:

Summit Clinical Research: In July 2025, Tekton partnered with Summit Clinical Research to expand into MASH/NASH trials, leveraging Summit's expertise to optimize site readiness and streamline protocol implementation.

Medical Research Unlimited, Inc.: In September 2025, Tekton partnered with Medical Research Unlimited, Inc., a respected practice with more than 30 years of history in clinical care and research, to expand its reach and capabilities.

Operational Insights

Tekton Research's operational strategies include:

Rapid Study Activation: Achieving an average time from activation to first patient visit of 12 hours across seven sites in a 2024 Global Phase 3 vaccine clinical trial.

High Enrollment and Retention Rates: Maintaining a 116% average enrollment rate and a 95% patient retention rate, demonstrating operational efficiency and participant engagement.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Tekton Research is well-positioned to capitalize on several strategic opportunities:

Expansion into New Therapeutic Areas: The partnership with Summit Clinical Research to enter MASH/NASH trials exemplifies Tekton's strategy to diversify its therapeutic focus.

Geographic Expansion: The addition of new research sites in New Carlisle, Ohio, and Englewood, New Jersey, in November 2025, indicates a commitment to broadening its geographic footprint and accessing diverse patient populations.

Strengthening Collaborations: Ongoing partnerships with experienced clinicians and research organizations enhance Tekton's capabilities and market presence.