Top Contract Research Organization Companies

The global contract research organization market is mainly fueled by the increasing demand for cost-effective options for clinical trials and drug development. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are outsourcing research procedures to CROs to lower operational costs and time to market, and utilize core competencies, such as drug discovery and drug commercialization. The growing incidence of chronic disease and development of new form of therapies like biologics, cell and gene therapies is increasing the need for specialized clinical trial services.

Industry Overview

According to SkyQuest Technology “Contract Research Organization Market By Type (Drug Discovery, Pre-Clinical), By Therapeutic Area (Oncology, Cardiology), By End-User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Companies, Medical Device Companies), By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032,” Global Contract Research Organization Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 8.3% by 2032, on account of urgent need for automating quantified data. The increased complexity of clinical trials, tight regulatory approval timelines and internationalization of clinical studies have massively contributed to the growing demand for CRO expertise to manage compliance and operate multi-country trials. Advancements in technology by utilizing data management, automation, artificial intelligence, and decentralized trial solutions will demonstrate increasing efficiency of CROs and create demand for CRO partnerships to play integral roles in the drug development value chain.

Top 10 Global Contract Research Organization Companies

1. IQVIA Holdings, Inc.

IQVIA Holdings, Inc. was established in 1982 and is based in Durham, North Carolina, USA. IQVIA, which is one of the largest global CROs, was created from the merger of Quintiles and IMS Health. IQVIA provides services related to clinical trial management, data analytics, regulatory solutions and real-world evidence services.

 2. LabCorp

LabCorp has its origins dating back to 1969 and has its headquarters located in Burlington, North Carolina, USA. LabCorp, with its Covance division, offers the most comprehensive portfolio of drug development and clinical laboratory services. LabCorp offers all stages of drug development, from preclinical, clinical, to post approval, and enjoys a leadership position in diagnostics and laboratory testing on a global level.

 3. Thermo Fisher Scientific (PPD business)

Thermo Fisher Scientific (PPD business) was founded in 1956; however, its business devoted to CRO services, PPD, was established in 1985. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, Thermo Fisher is a life science organization that offers laboratory, diagnostics and CRO services through PPD. PPD provides full-service clinical trial management, data analytics, and patient recruitment solutions.

4. ICON plc

ICON plc was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. ICON has grown to become a leading global CRO providing a variety of services that span the entire clinical development continuum. ICON supports clinical trials from early to late phase, biometrics, imaging, labs, and real-world evidence.

5. WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec was established in 2000 in Shanghai, China and has quickly grown into one of the world's largest Contract Research Organization (CRO) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). WuXi AppTec provides a broad suite of services ranging from preclinical to clinical research, small molecule to biologics drug discovery, testing, and manufacturing support.

6. Lonza

Lonza was established in 1897 and is based in Basel, Switzerland. The company started as a chemicals company and transformed into a global leader in the development and manufacturing of biologics, providing CRO and CDMO services that support biologics, cell, and gene therapy. Lonza is recognized in the biopharmaceutical industry for providing end-to-end solutions from early-stage development through commercial-scale manufacturing.

7. Syneos Health

Syneos Health was established in 2018 because of the merger of INC Research and inVentiv Health, although the previous companies have histories into the last 2 decades. The company is based in Morrisville, North Carolina, USA, and combines clinical development expertise with commercialization services.

8. Catalent, Inc.

Catalent, Inc. was established in 2007 and is based in Somerset, New Jersey, USA. The company provides drug development, drug delivery technologies, and manufacturing services, with a strong focus on biologics. Catalent is recognized as a leading CDMO, providing support for oral, injectable, and advanced therapy products. Catalent provides support from early-stage formulation through large-scale production and provides end-to-end support for pharmaceutical companies.

9. Charles River Laboratories

Founded in 1947, Charles River Laboratories, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA, is one of the oldest CROs and is especially strong in preclinical work. The company offers discovery services, safety assessment, laboratory models, and biologics support. Charles River is an important partner in early drug discovery and development, with a depth of knowledge in cell and gene therapies, among other areas.

 10. Fortrea

Fortrea, incorporated as a separate CRO from Labcorp in 2023, is based in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Fortrea, as an independent CRO, focuses on clinical trial services, pharmacovigilance, and data management. Fortrea has spun off from Labcorp, but Labcorp's legacy of deep expertise in drug development makes Fortrea a strong player in the CRO space with new offerings.

Other Leading Global Contract Research Organization Companies

• Parexel International
• Medpace Holdings, Inc.
• PRA Health Sciences (acquired by ICON)
• SGS Life Sciences
• PPD
• Evotec SE
• Eurofins Scientific
• PSI CRO
• CMIC Group
• Jubilant Biosys (part of Jubilant Pharmova)
• Clinipace (merged with dMed)
• Advanced Clinical

Conclusion

The contract research organization market is expected to have ongoing growth as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies continue to outsource to maximize cost, improve efficiency, and speed up innovation. As R&D investment increases, the demand for advanced therapies rises, and clinical trial perform becomes more global, CROs become vital strategic partners throughout the drug development continuum. Their unique expertise, regulatory support, and technology capabilities place them at the forefront of the shifting healthcare and life sciences environment.