Additionally, the growth of specialty drugs has increased the need for more customized clinical trials, as well as smaller patient populations. The market for CRO's is likely to remain fragmented in 2019, which makes it an ideal target for value-adding mergers and acquisitions.

For example, in the last few years, the clinical trials industry has branched out into new regions, including Asia and Latin America. In addition, the clinical trials industry has migrated into Eastern Europe as countries such as Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU.

Interest in Russia and other former Soviet republics has also increased. As more biopharma companies turn to CRO's, more companies are expanding their services to gain strategic partnerships. In addition to expanding their services, these companies are also adding geographic coverage and specialized technologies to compete in the pre-clinical market.

This consolidation of commercial and clinical divisions is a trend that can continue to benefit CROs. The practice of home-based working is changing the traditional office environment forever. To effectively measure the effects of home-working, research must take into account employees' unique contexts and use both quantitative and qualitative methods. Home-working can create a range of unique challenges for CROs. Here are some important factors to consider.