Case studies
How sponsors use CVC to build better shortlists
The following case studies are illustrative composites based on common sponsor workflows. They demonstrate how CVC fits into real vendor selection processes.
Phase III · Oncology · Global CRO selection
Biotech cuts CRO shortlist from 12 to 3 in four days
A mid-stage oncology biotech was preparing for a pivotal Phase III trial across 14 countries. The VP of Clinical Operations had collected proposals from 12 CROs through personal networks and conference contacts but had no structured way to compare therapeutic experience, resourcing depth, or recent sponsor feedback.
The challenge
- 12 CRO proposals with no standardised comparison framework
- Internal team spending 3+ weeks building comparison spreadsheets from scratch
- No visibility into whether CROs had recent Phase III oncology delivery experience
How CVC helped
- Filtered the CRO directory by oncology, Phase III, and global reach — identified 2 strong candidates not on the original list
- Used side-by-side comparison to score the shortlist on review ratings, therapeutic depth, and data quality signals
- Read anonymous reviews from other sponsors who had worked with the top candidates
- Eliminated 4 CROs that had high marketing presence but poor recent delivery reviews
Phase II · CNS · Central lab + eClinical bundle
Sponsor avoids costly lab switch mid-study
A CNS-focused biotech was planning a Phase II trial and had defaulted to their usual central lab based on an existing relationship. After a colleague recommended CVC, the Clinical Trial Manager checked the lab's recent reviews and discovered recurring issues with sample handling turnaround times in European sites.
The challenge
- Incumbent lab relationship felt safe but lacked recent performance validation
- No independent data source to benchmark against alternatives
- Study had time-sensitive biomarker endpoints requiring reliable sample processing
How CVC helped
- Compared three central labs side by side — turnaround times, geographic coverage, and review scores
- Found reviews flagging the incumbent's European logistics issues from multiple sponsors
- Identified a specialist lab with stronger CNS biomarker experience and better European site reviews
- Used the compare tool to present evidence to the internal team and justify the switch
Phase I · Rare disease · Patient recruitment specialist
Sponsor finds niche recruitment vendor in under an hour
A rare disease biotech needed a patient recruitment partner for a Phase I study targeting a population of fewer than 500 patients globally. Traditional vendor databases returned generic results. The Head of Operations used CVC's category and therapeutic filters to find specialist recruiters with documented rare disease experience.
The challenge
- Ultra-rare indication with fewer than 500 eligible patients worldwide
- Generic recruitment vendors had no rare disease track record
- Time pressure: first patient visit target in 4 months
How CVC helped
- Filtered patient recruitment vendors by rare disease experience — found 3 specialists not previously known to the team
- Compared the 3 candidates on geographic reach, review ratings, and therapeutic specificity
- Submitted a single RFP through CVC describing the study needs; all 3 responded within 5 business days
- Selected a vendor with specific experience in the same disease area and a confirmed patient registry
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