Position statement: Contract Research Organisations (CROs) supporting patients in clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

The COVID-19 pandemic will be a transformational disruption for all aspects of society, including the healthcare sector. The clinical trials sector has had to adapt quickly to ensure the successful continuation and management of clinical trials during the acute phase of the pandemic. We will equally need a rapid response as we prepare for the recovery phase and beyond.

About the CRO Forum

ARCS established the CRO steering committee to assist it further understand and meet the needs of this critical, but under represented, research stakeholder. Since its inception, there has been significant interest from a number of key stakeholders (particularly from government) on the work of the committee regarding the challenges and constraints faced by CROs. The committee has engaged broadly (initially via the collection of data using online surveys and subsequently via the inaugural ARCS CRO forum on 15 Nov 17).

The core offerings of the CRO sector is to service pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies to deliver their clinical development programs. The major challenges and constraints faced by CROs identified by the steering committee, were validated via an online survey. Although CROs reported constraints in a number of areas, “Development and growth of the talent pool” was identified as the greatest need and was to be the focus of the inaugural ARCS CRO Forum.

For more information please contact Joe Badolato.