BioPharma Services
A Leading Full-Service CRO for Early Stage Clinical Research Studies

BioPharma Services, a leading full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in conducting early phase and bioequivalence clinical trials for global pharmaceutical companies, is helping pharmaceutical companies take their drug development program successfully forward. Established in 2006 by orthopedic surgeons Dr. Abuzgaya and Dr. Dessouki in Toronto, Canada, intending to enhance patient care and advance medical science, the company has been instrumental in completing over 2,000 human clinical trials. Its state-of-the-art facilities, large database of healthy volunteers, and extensive transdisciplinary expertise in pharmacology, bioanalysis, statistics, and regulatory sciences enable it to effectively design and conduct complex early phase clinical trials. From the protocol development stage to regulatory submission, BioPharma’s full suite of clinical trial solutions is dedicated to bringing novel therapies to the market through high-quality medical research. In addition to early phase clinical studies, its focus areas include pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD), human abuse potential assessments, good laboratory practices (GLP) research and development, and bioanalysis.

In the fall of 2021, BioPharma was acquired by Think Research Corporation (TRC), an industry leader in delivering knowledge-based digital health software solutions to a global client base that spans five continents and more than 2,800 healthcare facilities. With its vital role as the clinical research arm of TRC, BioPharma aims to build synergies by digitizing its solutions to deliver faster, more accurate results and standardize care and improve patient outcomes at the point of care. The data will enable clients to proactively plan the next stage of their drug development program, for example, Phase 2 studies and Phase 3 studies in advance. Furthermore, a need that was brought to the surface by the pandemic, digital solutions will assist with implementing remote monitoring capabilities for reviewing patient data in real-time without being present on-site.

Although the recent acquisition by Think Research Corporation will significantly expand the reach, scale, and capabilities of BioPharma, its founders are determined to retain its roots as a responsive, nimble organization. Dr. Fathi Abuzgaya, Founder of BioPharma, credits its highly-competent team for laying the company’s foundation. “We’ve built a loyal team of leaders and key personnel that fosters a culture of teamwork and empathy towards all stakeholders of BioPharma, which includes our clients, and subject volunteers, to deliver exemplary quality service and work,” states Dr. Fathi Abuzgaya. The dynamic and inclusive culture at the core of the company’s operations has facilitated quicker decision-making, flexibility, and transparent communication to meet the multi-faceted needs and requirements of the drug development process.

Whether it’s unfavorable weather conditions impacting scheduled clinical activities, supply-chain issues, or adapting to subject recruitment and enrollment needs, BioPharma’s core team pride itself on operating with great agility and nimbleness. The combination of its expertise and advanced lab facilities enables the company to efficiently carry out the most complex of studies with timely and accurate results and maintain the safety and well-being of subject volunteers.

A testament to its flexibility and willingness to adapt and find viable solutions quickly, BioPharma has been involved in several complex clinical trials over the years, including cutting-edge studies on potential targeted therapies for gene therapy. In one such case, the clinical trial required the expertise of an Interventional Radiologist to administer drug material into the intraperitoneal cavity of healthy subjects. Being a highly-specialized field among medical professions, interventional radiologists are few and far between. BioPharma Services’ facilitated the success of the clinical trials by providing access to specialty services such as interventional radiologists, exemplifying its unique physician network, in-depth experience, and industry knowledge to its clients.

With its anticipated growth and desire to be known as the pre-eminent CRO in North America for complex clinical trials, BioPharma Services plans to continually focus on enhancing and growing its brand under the Think Research umbrella. The company’s immediate future will be focused on fortifying its front-end and back-end services, extending into patient populations, and later-stage research through innovative digital platforms led by TRC. It aims to develop unique in-house digital solutions with a tailored approach specific to a client’s needs and processes which will accelerate research execution and allow for continued optimization. “We aim to be a one-stop clinical trial services company that helps our clients streamline all aspects of their human clinical trials from scientific affairs and medical writing to pharmacokinetics, biometrics, data management, and recruitment,” explains Anna Taylor, Executive VP of Commercial Operations.

We’ve Built A Loyal Team Of Leaders And Key Personnel That Fosters A Culture Of Teamwork And Empathy Towards All Stakeholders Of Biopharma, Which Includes Our Clients, And Subject Volunteers, To Deliver Exemplary Quality Service And Work,” States Dr. Fathi Abuzgaya, Founder Of Biopharma

Currently, the company serves clients in two state-of-the-art clinical research centers based in Toronto, Canada, and St. Louis, Missouri, with a total capacity of 300 beds. Successfully inspected by major regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, MHRA, Health Canada, and more, its facilities and operations strictly adhere to international quality standards of GCP and GLP. The ongoing pandemic has demonstrated how BioPharma Services upholds these standards every day and contributes to being an essential service. Despite the challenges of recent times, the company’s COVID-19 Governance Committee, cross-functional COVID Task Force, and strict standard operating procedures have proactively ensured that it continually meets and exceeds client expectations with minimal delay. As a responsible partner contributing to the advancement of complex clinical research and drug development, these are the ideal values, acumen, and standards companies look for in a CRO.