Interest in functional service model on the rise; Chiltern

Biopharm is increasingly using the functional service provider (FSP) model, in areas such as medical affairs and statistical services, while continuing to globalise trials, according to Chiltern.

The FSP model, in theory, minimises project management, allows big pharma to leverage scale in pricing, and supports harmonisation of standards and processes. Biopharm is now requesting FSP more often, Pat Ling, director of global key accounts at Chiltern, told Outsourcing-Pharma.

Chiltern already has a number of FSP relationships with sponsors, said Ling. “This is not a huge alteration on our part”, said Ling, “we already have the experience and ability”.