Functional Service Provider Transitions: Mastering the CRO Handoff Process

Biotech, Clinical Trials, Drug Discovery & Development, Life Science, Pharma,
  • Friday, October 24, 2025 | 11am EDT (NA) / 4pm BST (UK) / 5pm CEST (EU-Central)
  • 60 min

Transitioning biometrics and other critical services from one contract research organization (CRO) or functional service provider to another is a complex process that requires strategic planning, clear communication and strong collaboration. This webinar explores key best practices to ensure a smooth and successful transition, minimizing disruption and maintaining data integrity — from both the sponsor and providers’ views.

Attendees will learn how to develop a structured transition plan with clear timelines, deliverables and contingency measures. The featured speakers will address communication strategies to ensure transparency and alignment among stakeholders, along with practical approaches for integrating team cultures, systems and processes. They will also discuss how to collaborate with outgoing CROs and functional service providers to support knowledge transfer and maintain professionalism throughout the transition.

Register for this webinar to learn how to navigate CRO transitions with a functional service provider to ensure quality and continuity.

Speakers

Craig McIlloney, Catalyst Flex

Craig McIlloney, Senior Vice President, Catalyst Flex, Catalyst Clinical Research

Craig brings 25 years of experience in drug development with small and large CROs to his role with Catalyst. As Senior Vice President of Catalyst Flex, Craig is responsible for the global execution of functional services across multiple therapeutic areas. In his previous roles, Craig has overseen global operations across various functions, including but not limited to data management, biostatistics, statistical programming, medical writing, quality, analytics and systems and communications.  This has included global expansion across multiple regions, and his leadership experience spans activities across various delivery models, including FSP, full-service and hybrid models. He earned a BS (Hons) degree in Statistics from the University of Glasgow, U.K. and an MS in Applied Statistics from Napier University, Edinburgh, U.K. He is a Chartered Statistician (Cstat) with the Royal Statistical Society and was previously a Director of the Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry (PSI).

Message Presenter
Melanie Dyer, Catalyst Flex

Melanie Dyer, Director, Data Management, Catalyst Flex

Melanie has over 34 years of experience in data management and relationship management. As the Director of Data Management, Melanie is responsible for the successful execution of data management services globally across multiple therapeutic areas. Melanie’s experience with CROs and pharma companies has provided the ability to work on full-service opportunities with a strong focus on functional service provider (FSP) solutions. This includes support of Phase I-IV, post-market and device studies.

Melanie has strong management experience, excellent communication skills and is passionate about the teams, sponsors and studies she oversees.

Message Presenter
Roger Chan, Launch Therapeutics

Roger Chan, Vice President, Head of Data Management, Launch Therapeutics

With nearly three decades of experience in clinical research, Roger Chan is a seasoned leader and expert in clinical data management. As the Vice President of Clinical Data Management at Launch Therapeutics, he has a distinguished career that includes significant roles at both small and large organizations such as Fibrogen, Allergan, Pfizer and Parexel. Roger’s expertise is centered on building robust global teams and managing data for both in-house and outsourced clinical trials, ensuring data integrity and efficiency. He is dedicated to his core philosophy of achieving a “Fit for Purpose” model, driving excellence in every project he oversees.

Message Presenter

Who Should Attend?

This session will appeal to:

  • Clinical and Biometrics Operational Leaders
  • Data Managers
  • Project teams involved in CRO/FSP transitions

What You Will Learn

Attendees will:

  • Learn how to structure a comprehensive transition plan that includes timelines, deliverables, risk mitigation strategies and contingency planning to ensure continuity and quality
  • Discover how to establish clear, consistent two-way communication channels among sponsors and providers to facilitate transparency, manage expectations and address challenges proactively
  • Understand the importance of aligning the incoming CRO’s team culture, tools and processes with the sponsor’s team as well as the project’s needs to foster collaboration and maintain momentum
  • Explore strategies for engaging the outgoing CRO as a partner in the transition, including knowledge transfer, documentation handover and maintaining professionalism to support a seamless shift

Xtalks Partner

Catalyst Flex

Catalyst Flex, a functional service provider (FSP) solution of Catalyst Clinical Research, is a multi-therapeutic niche contract research organization (CRO) with flexible, fit-for-purpose offerings in global resourcing, functional services, and hybrid models for partners and clients in clinical operations, biometrics, medical writing, and safety services. We supply people, process, and technology solutions designed to meet each client’s unique functional needs. Catalyst’s flexible service model comes from more than a decade of listening to clients, devising solutions for them to help advance clinical studies leveraging our expert teams and innovative technologies.

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