LONDON, February 10 /PRNewswire/ --

Microdosing or Phase 0 clinical testing has been gaining acceptance and might become an imperative phase of the drug development process in the years to come. The emergence of niche capability providers in preclinical testing and technology dependence is also expected to result in numerous partnerships and alliances, fuelling growth opportunities in this sector.

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There is every reason to believe that the solution for faster screening of candidates and increasing pressure on costs is gaining momentum in the right direction, notes Frost Sullivan (http://www.pharma.frost.com) Senior Research Analyst V. Sriram. The compelling advantages of microdosing present it as a potential remedy for big pharma's maladies regarding declining returns from investments in drug development.

Alliances between contract research organisations (CROs) in the U.S. and Europe have not historically been common. This is due to several factors including the industry's strong growth and relatively low technology demands for clinical testing. However, developments in microdosing should see a number of opportunities being investigated.

Consolidation within the CRO space has led to concerns over the quality of service and attention to detail. Companies must however ensure the quality of their services to maintain their bargaining power with the pharmaceutical companies.

CROs face the challenge of competitively aligning their services to meet customer needs in order to overcome the threat of losing their stronghold and loyalty, comments Sriram.

Developing the technological know-how and expertise on niche capabilities will help CROs retain their client base. This can be achieved in-house or by partnerships with pioneers in the provision of niche capability, allowing for the creation of a one-stop shop solution.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the study, Strategic Analysis of Opportunities in the CRO Market - Phase 0, then send an e-mail to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at katja.feick@frost.com. Please include your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

Strategic Analysis of Opportunities in the CRO Market - Phase 0 is part of the Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Biosimilars Market Outlook, European Vaccines Market, U.S. Contract Research Outsourcing Markets. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost Sullivan has expanded its flagship Global Congress on Corporate Growth - GIL Global - into several major cities around the world including London. For the first time ever in Europe, Frost Sullivan will be hosting the Growth, Innovation and Leadership Congress 'GIL 2009: Europe' on 19-20 May, at the Sofitel St James in London. GIL Global is the industry's only event designed to support senior executives in their efforts to achieve sustainable, top-line growth. To register, obtain a programme agenda, explore sponsorship opportunities, or attend as a member of the media for GIL 2009: Europe, please contact Katja Feick, Corporate Communications Europe, at katja.feick@frost.com. One-on-One interviews with Frost Sullivan senior growth consultants are also being scheduled. For more information you can also visit www.frost.com/giluk

Frost Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership(TM) empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost Sullivan's Growth Partnership Services, visit http://www.frost.com.

Strategic Analysis of Opportunities in the CRO Market - Phase 0 M217 Contact: Katja Feick Corporate Communications - Europe P: +49-(0)-69-77-0-33-43 E: katja.feick@frost.com http://www.frost.com/

Katja Feick, Corporate Communications - Europe, Frost Sullivan, +49-(0)-69-77-0-33-43, katja.feick@frost.com / LOGO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO