Respiratory CRO

A respiratory CRO with the expertise you need

From the millions of individuals affected by asthma and COPD to the few affected by rare diseases, bringing innovation and more affordable treatments to patients is our passion as a respiratory CRO.

Through partnerships with the leading pharma companies and biotech innovators, we collaborate across the full ecosystem of respiratory disease research. As a single point of contact, we integrate meaningful data to assess treatment efficacy in an interventional trial and relevant insights in the real world of respiratory disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 

Despite the prevalence of COPD and its severe effects on quality of life, few new therapies have been approved for more than a decade. COPD exacerbations have a considerable impact on health care costs and mortality rates, and nearly 20% of patients hospitalized for an initial COPD exacerbation time die within a year. For patients with limited treatment options, however, there is reason to hope as drug developers pursue new avenues.

However, sponsors face challenges on several fronts. Currently, hundreds of COPD studies are underway, resulting in strong competition for trial participants. Further, patient populations have historically been underrepresented, particularly in the U.S., with large gaps in certain at-risk communities. Yet mistrust of the medical field – the most frequently cited obstacle to participation – is a major issue in recruiting the full spectrum of patient demographics. Another hindrance is the financial burden, compounded by concerns about job absences, transportation expenses, childcare, and the like.

These challenges can be overcome with the right approach. In a recent program of three trials for COPD treatment, for example, Parexel completed the project three months ahead of schedule and 10% under budget. In fact, Parexel is uniquely qualified to support research in COPD, both as a recognized industry leader in respiratory diseases and specifically in patient education and recruitment – critical components for running these trials. An essential element of our approach involves patient advocacy groups, which play an important role in connecting patients with researchers and breaking down barriers. We maintain close, trusted relationships with groups focusing on COPD to understand the patient’s voice and inform protocol design. Parexel’s commitment to this therapeutic area has attracted an outstanding team of top physicians who are devoted to finding treatments for COPD.

Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions worldwide, affecting nearly 300 million individuals of all ages.  It is a process characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, which results in individuals experiencing a myriad of symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and decreased exercise tolerance.  In 2023 nearly 500,000 fatalities were attributable to asthma. It can range from mild to severe and is often triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or stress. 

The burden of asthma extends beyond individual health—it impacts healthcare systems, workplaces, and economies due to emergency visits, hospitalizations, and missed work or school days. Effective management includes patient education, access to medications like inhalers, early symptom recognition, and avoiding environmental triggers such as allergens or pollutants.

Managing asthma has classically involved avoiding triggers, using controller inhaler medication like corticosteroids for control and rescue inhalers as needed for symptom management. Recently there has been rapid advancement within the asthma space with the introduction of highly effective newer biologic therapies that target a variety of cytokines.

Despite these changes there is a persistent unmet need for access to highly effective therapies for most asthmatics.