As the drug development space continues to evolve, trends in outsourcing models are changing to adapt to new demands, priorities and challenges. Strategically selecting the right outsourcing model can help developers maximize quality, financial and operational efficiencies, and overall success.

The outsourcing process can vary widely depending on multiple factors, but there are two broad models leveraged by biotech and biopharmaceutical companies: functional service provider (FSP) partnerships and full-service outsourcing (FSO).

Some organizations also employ hybrid customizations of both models. While FSO is outsourcing of end-to-end clinical development services on a trial-by-trial basis, FSP outsources some or all of a single function—such as data management or monitoring—to external partners.