i3 Research ranks among the top three CROs in Europe

We are pleased to share that in a recent survey of investigative sites throughout Europe conducted by Thomson CenterWatch, i3 Research was ranked among the top three CROs. i3 Research stood out as a consistent performer across all aspects of the clinical trial operation, placing in the top three in 22 of the 29 attributes measured—an accomplishment Thomson CenterWatch called “a remarkable feat.”

We believe these results amply demonstrate how deeply embedded our core values are, and how successful we have been in providing our field staff with thorough and effective training. As a reflection of the focus on quality and customer service that has been a hallmark of our operation for years, these results are a special point of pride for us coming as they do during a period of considerable growth and expansion throughout the i3 Research organization.

The Thomson CenterWatch survey, which was conducted from January to April 2008 and mailed to some 17,000 investigative sites, prompted responses from 36 countries across Europe and Canada. Nearly a third of the responses came from Central and Eastern Europe, an area of recent expansion for i3 Research. The 29 attributes judged by the rankings involved project management, personnel, workstyle, study initiation, and ongoing study conduct activities.

i3 Research received the survey’s highest ratings in both the “Ability to Carry Out Protocol” and “Provides Uncomplicated Case Report Form” categories. This strong showing is undoubtedly due in large part to our therapeutic specialization—in central nervous system, oncology, respiratory and infectious disease, endocrinology and metabolic disease, and cardiology—that has historically set us apart from other CROs, and which leads many clients to seek our help with protocol design.

Furthermore, we’re known for generating a high level of interaction and dialogue based not only on our knowledge of a given therapeutic area, but also on our familiarity with the environment in which a protocol will be conducted. i3 Research is, as the survey suggests, uniquely positioned to bring these elements together.

Significantly, i3 Research was the only company rated “Excellent” in terms of flexibility to modify protocols and budget. We also received high marks in “Provides Ongoing Help in Running the Study” and “Efficient Contract and Budget Negotiations When Responsible for Overseeing.”

This level of recognition for our ability to accommodate the unique needs of our clients is the likely result of our recent adoption of the rigorous Ritz-Carlton customer service training program, which leads us to focus on ownership, accountability, and follow-through to completion on every engagement. i3 Research has integrated the core values of this program culturally to yield exceptionally high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Yet another major factor that we believe contributed to our successful showing in the Thomson CenterWatch survey overall is the investment we have made in feasibility research to help us identify the right sites. In our experience at i3 Research, selecting sites well makes for better-performing sites that produce superior outcomes for sponsor and CRO alike.