Market Insights, Pulled Straight from LinkedIn

In a fantastic post from Georgie Spurr, Dr. Tipps discusses the future of CROs and challenges we need to be aware of. To read the post on LinkedIn, click here.

𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔: 𝑪𝑹𝑶 𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 & 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔

Had a fantastic market insight call with Dr. Tandy Tipps from Winniedel Oncology last week. Here are some key takeaways:

🔹 AI’s Growing Role
AI continues to shape the industry, but it won’t replace the critical human relationships between sponsors/CROs and clinical trial sites, KOLs and PIs. Tech is an enabler—not a replacement.

🔹 Market Consolidation & Growth
• The Site Management Organisation (SMO) sector is expanding across therapeutic areas.
• U.S. Academic cancer centres are acquiring site networks and private practices, creating a one-stop shop for sponsors.
• Funding trends: JP Morgan’s January conference signalled a push for biotech funding, especially in the U.S and UK, where Academic centre spin-offs are gaining momentum.

💡 Opportunities for CROs
• Orphan & Rare Diseases are seeing increased funding and investment, with more CROs shifting focus to underserved populations.
• Oncology & CNS remain strong therapeutic areas.
• Niche CROs specialising in oncology and rare diseases could see increased demand as these areas can overlap.

⚠️ Challenges to Watch
• Funding struggles for biotech & biopharma and the downstream impact on CROs.
• US Regulatory Changes – potential funding cuts from NIH will impact research programs.

Advice for Navigating 2025
✅ Relationships matter – Technology can streamline, but human connections and relationships drive success.
✅ For CEOs & Founders – Growth isn’t just about revenue; honesty, transparency, and a clear patient focus set successful companies apart.
✅ C-Suite Leadership – The market is tough. Differentiate your company, diversify your portfolio, and stay resilient.

What are your thoughts?