Real-time data: how to gain an edge amid clinical services consolidation

Core Insights - The pharmaceutical services industry is experiencing significant consolidation, reshaping competitive dynamics and creating both threats and opportunities for clinical technology vendors and contract research organizations (CROs) [1] Consolidation Trends - Thermo Fisher Scientific's acquisition of Clario Holdings for $8.87 billion exemplifies the ongoing consolidation trend in the pharma industry, potentially ranking as the fifth largest acquisition this year [2] - The acquisition highlights an accelerating trend in the industry with no signs of slowing down [2] Competitive Landscape - Understanding the impact of consolidation on existing relationships and company collaborations is crucial for capturing market share [3] - Companies that leverage real-time insights on competitive positioning and sponsor preferences are better positioned to seize opportunities in this evolving landscape [3] Strategic Implications - The Thermo Fisher-Clario acquisition creates a robust integrated offering, enhancing Thermo Fisher's capabilities across the clinical trial value chain [4] - This vertical integration allows for comprehensive support from trial design to data capture and analysis [4] Future Acquisition Potential - Other life science conglomerates, such as Danaher and McKesson, may pursue independent eCOA providers to develop similar integrated offerings [5] - The rationale for such acquisitions is strong, as controlling both trial execution and digital infrastructure provides significant competitive advantages in increasingly decentralized and data-intensive clinical trials [5] CRO Partnerships - PPD has been the primary CRO for Clario, handling 9.6% of its clinical trial business, followed closely by Labcorp Drug Development at 9.2%, IQVIA at 8.5%, and ICON at 8.2% [6]