Quality, reliability, regulatory compliance, pricing, productivity and accessibility are key performance metrics for CROs
Measuring and tracking performance related to study at all stages of the clinical trial life-cycle has been given prime importance by CROs with intent to implementing cohesive strategies for improved efficiency and quality in clinical trials. CROs continue to collect data and metrics related to operational performance.
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Focus areas for APAC CROs

Contract manufacturing in APAC received a boost as major biopharma companies have started focusing on biologics manufacturing opportunity. According to 12 percent of our survey respondents, they are engaged in biomanufacturing. Early trends indicate that India and China are increasing their contract manufacturing. While some CROs provide a full range of early-to-late stage clinical development projects for their clientele, there are others who are diversifying and building up a niche skill area.
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Revenue is top priority
APAC CROs are gearing up to benefit from the changing ecosystem conditions and the possibilities for strategic partnership and pipeline development opportunities with the biopharma. CROs are working with a diverse set of clientele across the world. Revenue growth is the key priority for 25 percent of the survey respondents. For another 25 percent of the survey respondents, geographical expansion is the most important priority. Also, by expanding geographically, CROs are looking to serve their global clients better.
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Average contract size for CROs in APAC is under $50 million
Asia-Pacific is home to mostly small- and medium-sized CROs with small dedicated resources. As per the survey results of the 4th BioSpectrum-CMR APAC Annual Survey, over 90 percent of the CROs operating in the region have an average contract size of $1 million-$5 million with each customer.

CROs focus on oncology
According to the survey, the top therapeutic focus area in APAC is oncology (65 percent). The survey results for the year 2012 are in line with the therapeutic focus area trends captured by BioSpectrum-CMR surveys in 2011 and 2010. The survey also revealed that cardiovascular diseases (25 percent), central nervous system diseases (19 percent), respiratory diseases (18 percent) and dermatology (13 percent) are among the key focus areas of CROs in APAC. Also, CROs are focused on a wide range of therapeutic research areas, including metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, pain management, hematology, anti-infectives, rheumatology, inflammation and ophthalmology.