Innovating for Growth: The Future of Biotech CROs
The biotech Contract Research Organization (CRO) industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, globalization, and evolving patient needs. In this exclusive interview, Yvonne Lungershausen, CEO of Avance Clinical, shares how her company is leading this change—leveraging AI, expanding globally, and prioritizing patient engagement to accelerate clinical trials. Join us as we explore the future of biotech CROs and what it takes to stay ahead in this competitive landscape.
Understanding Avance Clinical’s Approach to Growth and Innovation
Unmesh Lal: Yvonne, thank you for joining us today. Let’s begin by discussing the transformative trends shaping the biotech Contract Research Organization (CRO) industry. What are the top three trends you see driving change?
Yvonne Lungershausen: Thank you, Unmesh. The industry is evolving rapidly, and I see three key trends reshaping our space. First, the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is streamlining clinical trial processes. AI is enhancing efficiency in patient recruitment, trial monitoring, and data analysis, making trials faster and more effective.
Second, globalization is accelerating, even in early-phase trials. We are seeing a significant push toward multi-regional coordination as sponsors move faster from healthy volunteer trials into patient populations. This requires navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, which is a challenge we embrace.
Third, there’s a growing emphasis on patient-centric approaches. Post-COVID, we’ve learned the value of decentralization, and while the industry has shifted to a hybrid model, patient engagement and accessibility—especially in underserved regions—are more critical than ever.
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Clinical Operations
Unmesh Lal: AI has been a game changer. How has Avance Clinical leveraged AI to improve operations?
Yvonne Lungershausen: AI is essential, but we approach it as an enabler rather than a replacement for human expertise. We have formed strategic partnerships to pilot AI-driven efficiencies. For example, AI helps us analyze trial data, expedite medical writing, and generate initial drafts of regulatory documents. This allows our scientists to focus on high-value, strategic decision-making rather than routine tasks.
We are also using AI to optimize trial design and improve patient matching, reducing recruitment timelines. AI-driven insights allow us to identify the most suitable trial sites and populations, ultimately leading to faster and more successful trials.
“AI doesn’t replace the human lens; it enhances our ability to deliver faster, more effective clinical trials. It allows our teams to focus on strategic decision-making rather than repetitive tasks, leading to better outcomes for our clients and patients.” — Yvonne Lungershausen, CEO, Avance Clinical
Risk Management in Innovation
Unmesh Lal: Innovation comes with risks. How does Avance Clinical balance technological advancement with maintaining quality and compliance?
Yvonne Lungershausen: That’s a great question. We have a dedicated Technology Innovation Group that operates separately from our clinical functions. This team rigorously tests new technologies in controlled environments before integrating them into live operations. By keeping innovation and operations parallel, we ensure that we’re not disrupting ongoing high-quality work.
Additionally, we follow a structured validation process before implementing any new technology. Our priority is always to maintain regulatory compliance and uphold the highest quality standards.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Global Expansion
Unmesh Lal: Avance Clinical has grown significantly. How do mergers and acquisitions (M&A) factor into your growth strategy?
Yvonne Lungershausen: M&A plays a crucial role in our expansion strategy, particularly as we strive to globalize our services. While organic growth is important, it can be slow in certain regions due to talent shortages and regulatory challenges. Acquisitions allow us to establish an immediate presence in new markets and bring in specialized expertise.
For instance, our recent expansion into Asia through partnerships has strengthened our global footprint. We aim to continue expanding strategically, ensuring that every new addition aligns with our commitment to quality and innovation.
Competitive Advantage and Customer Retention
Unmesh Lal: In a competitive landscape, what sets Avance Clinical apart?
Yvonne Lungershausen: Our core value proposition is quality, tailored solutions, and scientific expertise. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, we develop customized trial strategies based on each client’s specific drug development needs. We maintain a 70% customer retention rate, which reflects our reliability and ability to deliver high-quality outcomes on time and within budget.
We also prioritize client engagement. Regular check-ins, clear communication, and strategic collaboration ensure that we address challenges proactively. Our clients know they can rely on us not just as a service provider but as a true partner.
The Future of Avance Clinical
Unmesh Lal: Looking ahead, what are your key goals for Avance Clinical in the next five years?
Yvonne Lungershausen: Our focus is on global expansion, particularly across Asia and into Europe, where we see increasing demand for high-quality CRO services. We are taking a measured approach, ensuring that we maintain our quality standards as we grow.
We are also investing in AI-driven solutions to further enhance trial efficiencies and patient engagement. Additionally, we plan to strengthen our investigator and site networks, ensuring that we can meet the growing demand for faster, more efficient trials.
Final Thoughts
Unmesh Lal: To conclude, what message would you like to share about Avance Clinical?
Yvonne Lungershausen: The CRO industry needs to move faster and innovate to make drug development more accessible. At Avance Clinical, we are committed to being a smarter, faster, and more strategic partner for our clients because every patient deserves a future. That mission drives everything we do.
Unmesh Lal: Thank you, Yvonne. It’s been a pleasure discussing Avance Clinical’s journey and future with you. Wishing you continued success!
Yvonne Lungershausen: Thank you, Unmesh. It’s been great speaking with you!
Yvonne began her career in academic “bench” research with Adelaide University and CSIRO. Yvonne then moved into clinical trials research at a dedicated Phase I unit where she was one of the first in Australia to test a new chemical entity in healthy volunteers, giving rise to what is now a strong Phase 1 sector in Australia. Yvonne also spent time in the biotech world as Clinical Development Manager and then moved into senior Contract Research Organization (CRO) roles. With 30+ years of clinical trial experience gained across most therapeutic areas, Yvonne brings a deep understanding of all phases of the drug development process. With a passion for exceeding client expectations, Yvonne is highly regarded within the industry for her expertise and ability to solve complex clinical trial issues. In 2009, Yvonne Lungershausen became a Founding Member of CPR Pharma Services (CPR) as it spun out from the University of South Australia. As a key member of the CPR Senior Management Team, she was responsible for the clinical operations side of the business. In January 2019, CPR Pharma Services formed into two separate service companies, analytical services (Agilex BioLabs) and clinical services (Avance Clinical). Yvonne was appointed as CEO of Avance Clinical and has since rapidly built the company into a leading global CRO for biotechs – attracting innovative biotech clients from USA, EU, and Asia and winning awards for quality and service.
Unmesh Lal has 20+ years of healthcare industry expertise, comprising of strategy consulting, primarily with global life sciences companies. His expertise lies in tracking game changing companies, innovative business models, and disruptive technologies while serving as a growth coach for clients in pharmaceutical contract services and precision health. He has authored thought leadership articles and presented them at leading industry events including J.P. Morgan, Bio-Asia, Bio-IT, Bioprocessing Summit, CPhI Worldwide, Biotech Pharma Summit, Medica Health IT, Biotech Outsourcing Strategies cmc, Precision Med Exhibition & Summit, Global Bio & Pharma Plaza, and others. His in-depth understanding of the precision health ecosystem enables him to guide companies in identifying growth opportunities across contract research, development, and manufacturing services. He holds a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Be a Part of the Growth Revolution!
Innovation thrives on shared experiences, bold ideas, and collective action. Through this conversation with Yvonne Lungershausen, we have explored how transformation is shaping the biotech CRO landscape—but the journey doesn’t stop here.
At Frost & Sullivan, we believe in the power of growth-driven dialogue. We want to hear your story—your challenges, your breakthroughs, and your vision for the future of healthcare and life sciences.
🚀 Join the movement:
📩 Connect with us to:
✔️ Register for our Growth Opportunity Newsletter
✔️ Become a part of the Growth Council—a platform for industry leaders shaping the future
✔️ Share your story of transformation with a global audience
✔️ Engage in a dialog to explore transformations and growth opportunities in your industry
Let’s drive innovation, create impact, and build the future—together!
Annexure: Exploring the Future of Biotech CROs
For a deeper understanding of the evolving biotech CRO landscape, explore Frost & Sullivan’s in-depth analyses:
📌 Growth Opportunities in Global Pharmaceutical Clinical Contract Peripheral Services, 2025–2030
📌 Growth Opportunities in Drug Discovery and Early Development Outsourcing Services
📌 Growth Opportunities in Global Contract Research Organization (CRO)
📌 Innovative AI-Enabled Clinical Trial Companies: Strategic Profiling and Growth Opportunities
Each analysis offers key insights into the evolving CRO industry, providing actionable intelligence for industry leaders, biotech innovators, and investors.
