Cerba Research is the research division of Cerba Healthcare, a global organization with 15,000 employees. Cerba Healthcare’s primary focus is delivering medical and diagnostic laboratory services directly to patients. Cerba Research leverages this expertise and experience to provide specialty laboratory solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech customers for clinical research.

Led by CEO Maria Fotiu, its capabilities range from specialty services in bioanalysis, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) analysis, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry to a global network of central laboratories.

“We excel in laboratory logistics, ensuring seamless sample and supply chain management for clinical trials worldwide,” Fotiu explains.

A standout feature of Cerba Research is its robust R&D consulting services.

“By collaborating closely with clients in early-stage development, our scientists design customized study-specific assays, demonstrating our innovative spirit and commitment to advancing clinical research,” she continues.

Read on as Fotiu outlines her vision for the future and synergies with the wider healthcare organization that supports differentiation in the market.

What are the synergies between Cerba Healthcare and Cerba Research?

There are significant synergies between Cerba Healthcare and Cerba Research. Cerba Healthcare’s state-of-the-art facilities, like the laboratory in Frépillon near Paris, the largest specialty laboratory in Europe, offer advanced automated capabilities that Cerba Research can leverage for clinical trials.

This collaboration enables us to develop specialized capabilities, such as expanding from large molecule PK/PD, currently available, to small molecule work in the future.

In addition to this, Cerba Healthcare’s geographic footprint enhances our global reach. For example, through partnerships and facilities across 14 countries in Africa and our footprint in South Africa, we have expanded our service offerings and cater to diverse markets.

This extensive network allows us to deliver faster, more reliable solutions while tailoring our services to the specific needs of various regions.

What have your priorities been since you joined Cerba Research in June last year?

As a biologist by training, my career has largely been in the contract research organization space, with a wealth of experience in transformation and change management.

My initial focus has been on understanding Cerba Research’s business and value proposition to position us most effectively in the laboratory services market and concentrating on ensuring we are competing in areas where we are strongest. By raising awareness of our capability, we will establish a stronger market presence and drive long-term success.

What is your ambition for Cerba Research, and what steps will you take to achieve this?

My vision for Cerba Research is to build on our solid foundation as a European organization with strong customer delivery culture, to increase brand recognition in the United States and deliver significant business growth.

How would you describe your leadership style, and why is it important for Cerba Research?

My leadership style is transformative, challenging the status quo to drive continuous improvement. Throughout my career, I have taken on diverse roles and initiatives, sometimes stepping outside my comfort zone to gain a broader perspective. These experiences have equipped me to coach teams effectively, identify growth opportunities and inspire innovation.

I prioritize cultivating a culture of openness and adaptability, encouraging every team member to bring their unique insights to the table. I believe it is also important to foster an environment where leaders and teams are empowered to anticipate customer needs and develop forward-thinking solutions for excellence in delivery.

How can patient-centricity be embedded in a laboratory business?

At Cerba Research, we view every laboratory test as representing a patient. This perspective fundamentally changes how we approach our work, emphasizing the importance of speed, accuracy and quality in delivering results. By maintaining this patient-centric focus, we ensure that our work directly impacts clinical decisions and, ultimately, patient care.

Our philosophy extends beyond traditional boundaries, instilling a sense of responsibility and connection in every team member. To deepen patient engagement, we are exploring portal technologies that provide patients with more direct access to their laboratory results and insights into their contribution to clinical research.

This transparency helps bridge the gap between laboratory science and individual care, fostering trust and understanding among patients.

Timely and accurate results play a critical role in shaping treatment plans and advancing medical research, and by prioritizing empathy and communication, we strive to ensure that patients feel valued and understood, even within the highly technical realm of laboratory services.

What therapeutic areas and capabilities set Cerba Research apart?

Our strengths are primarily in oncology, vaccines, immunology and cell and gene therapy. With approximately 35 percent of all clinical research focused on oncology, our expertise positions us as a valuable partner in this space.

The ability to support diverse vaccine trials further differentiates us, particularly in a post-COVID-19 pandemic world. By emphasizing specialization and leveraging advanced assays and tests, we continue to carve out a distinct niche in the global clinical research landscape.

Whether developing new assays for emerging therapeutic areas or optimizing protocols for complex trials, Cerba Research is committed to advancing science and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

Cerba Research is a leading speciality laboratory services provider with the capability and breadth of a global central laboratory network.