CROs in France

David Jones
Nov 14
10 min read

CROs in France

France offers an exceptional environment for clinical research, underpinned by an advanced healthcare system and well-integrated medical infrastructure across its diverse regions. The population of approximately 68 million represents one of Europe's largest and most well-documented patient pools, with comprehensive healthcare coverage through the national system and established clinical trial participation networks across major metropolitan areas and regional centres.

The country benefits from streamlined regulatory processes through the Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament (ANSM), alongside prestigious academic institutions, university hospitals (CHUs), and specialised research centres. A key advantage is France's sophisticated health data infrastructure and established research networks, including the extensive Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique (PHRC), which facilitate efficient patient recruitment and comprehensive trial monitoring across therapeutic areas.

The French CRO landscape features a mix of specialized boutique organizations and comprehensive full-service providers, offering sponsors access to high-quality data collection and strong patient retention rates. These CROs have developed particular expertise in leveraging France's advantages, including its position as Europe's second-largest pharmaceutical market, multilingual capabilities, and strong connections to both European and North African research networks, to conduct Phase I-IV clinical trials effectively.

French CROs excel at managing multinational trials, benefiting from the country's strategic position within continental Europe and its established leadership in European medical research. They offer expertise in navigating both French and EU-wide regulatory requirements, while maintaining strong connections with key opinion leaders and research institutions across the country's renowned academic medical centres.

COG: CRO Summit Europe brings together leaders from Contract Research Organizations and functional service providers to explore cutting-edge strategies in clinical trial delivery, operational excellence, and industry innovation.

This premier two-day gathering in Amsterdam delivers actionable insights on emerging technologies, site relationships, and the future of the European CRO landscape.

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Here you can find a selection of emerging, medium, and large full-service France-based clinical research organizations (CROs) conducting and managing Phase I-IV clinical trials, each bringing unique expertise in navigating the region's healthcare systems and regulatory requirements.

Aixial Group

Aixial Group isn't your typical CRO. With over 30 years of experience navigating the complex landscape of global clinical trials, Aixial combines deep therapeutic expertise with an agile, technology-driven approach to deliver smarter, faster, and more efficient clinical studies across all phases. Their operations span continents, leveraging strong local presence and culturally attuned teams to transform global trials into highly responsive, seamlessly coordinated operations. Specializing in complex therapeutic areas including rare diseases, oncology, and neurology, Aixial offers flexible solutions—from full-service support to functional services or hybrid approaches—tailored to meet clients exactly where they are in their clinical journey. More than trial managers, they are committed partners in advancing medicine, with every study supported being a step toward better treatments and outcomes for patients worldwide.

ICTA

ICTA is a leading France-based CRO with headquarters in Fontaine-lès-Dijon and additional offices in the UK and Germany. They provide comprehensive clinical development services including clinical operations, data management, regulatory affairs, and real-world evidence studies. With over 40 years of experience since their founding in 1984, they specialize in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device research, employing more than 150 continuously trained professionals who serve clients with flexibility and adaptability throughout the clinical trial process.

Biotrial

Biotrial is a leading France-based CRO with headquarters in Rennes and a Clinical Pharmacology Unit in New Jersey, USA. They provide comprehensive drug development services including preclinical pharmacology, Phase I-IV clinical trials, bioanalysis, biometrics, and specialized CNS and imaging services. With over 35 years of experience since their founding in 1989, they specialize in early phase studies with healthy volunteers and patients, particularly in oncology research, offering tailor-made solutions to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

ExperTrials

ExperTrials is a France-based full-service CRO with headquarters in Lyon, founded in 2011. They provide comprehensive clinical development services including regulatory affairs, clinical operations, and market access strategies specifically designed for European launches. Specializing in biotech and medtech companies, they offer flexible and cost-efficient solutions to help innovative drug and medical device developers navigate the complexities of bringing their products to the European market through tailored Phase I-IV clinical trial management.

Axonal-Biostatem

Axonal-Biostatem is a France-based full-service CRO with over 30 years of experience delivering clinical and epidemiological research project management across France and Europe. They provide comprehensive services including clinical operations, data management, biostatistics, and medical writing, all delivered internally for complete project integration. Specializing in pharmaceutical and medical device research, they support clients from protocol development through final reporting, offering expertise across all phases of clinical development with a focus on quality execution and regulatory compliance throughout European markets.

Pharmaspecific

Pharmaspecific is a France-based CRO and Site Management Organization (SMO) founded in 2010 to serve the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. They provide comprehensive clinical research services including study management, site coordination, and clinical operations support across multiple therapeutic areas. As a human-sized company, they emphasize placing people at the center of their relationships, offering personalized service and dedicated support to clients ranging from emerging biotechs to established pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials in France and internationally.

Astrum CRO (formerly Popsicube-Fovea)

Astrum CRO (also known as Popsicube-Fovea) is a France-based innovative CRO specializing in the intersection of clinical trials and emerging technologies. They provide comprehensive services including clinical trial management, data management, biostatistics, and innovative data collection tools with expertise in biosensors and tailored applications. Beyond traditional CRO services, they actively participate in collaborative projects focused on personalized medicine, predictive healthcare, and artificial intelligence applications, positioning themselves at the forefront of digital transformation in clinical research and the future of healthcare delivery.

Clin4all

Clin4all is a Paris-based CRO specializing in international clinical trials with France as the strategic entry point for European research. They provide comprehensive clinical development services including Phase II-IV studies, post-market clinical follow-up (PMCF), and care-related research for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies. Positioning themselves as a dedicated French partner for global sponsors, they offer local regulatory expertise and operational support to facilitate seamless study execution across France and broader European markets for clients seeking to navigate French clinical research requirements.

Eurofins Optimed

Eurofins Optimed is a France-based CRO with over 30 years of experience specializing in early phase clinical trials. They provide a complete range of services for drug, food supplement, and medical device development, ensuring smooth and swift study progress at every step from patient inclusion through study completion. Part of the broader Eurofins network, they offer integrated expertise in Phase I research with particular focus on clinical pharmacology and bioavailability studies, serving pharmaceutical, biotech, and nutraceutical companies requiring specialized early-phase development support in France and Europe.

BG ClinicalS

BG ClinicalS (Biomedical and Global Clinical Solutions) is an independent, privately held CRO located in southwest France. They provide comprehensive clinical research services functioning as both a CRO and Site Management Organization (SMO), specializing in the conduct and tracking of clinical and observational studies. Serving pharmaceutical companies (human and veterinary drugs), biotechs, clinical sites, and medical device manufacturers, they offer complete support for research projects across France with expertise in managing diverse study types and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the clinical trial process.

Biophysium

Biophysium is a France-based innovative bio-health CRO specializing in the conception and realization of research services across preclinical and clinical settings. They provide comprehensive in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and clinical research services with particular expertise in cardiovascular health, metabolic disease prevention, and nutraceutical development. Focusing on specialized therapeutic areas related to metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, they serve pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food companies seeking targeted research solutions to support product development and health claim validation in the rapidly growing wellness and preventive medicine sectors.

Eclevar Medtech

Eclevar Medtech is a Paris-based medical device CRO founded in 2020, with offices in France, Germany, the UK, and Japan. They provide specialized services including clinical evaluation reports (CER), post-market clinical follow-up (PMCF), premarket clinical trials, and real-world evidence generation specifically for the medical device and IVD sectors. With an international team comprising former competent authority and notified body experts, they focus on supporting manufacturers with EU MDR 2017/745 compliance across multiple therapeutic areas including cardiology, chronic wound care, urology, spine, and vascular medicine, utilizing their proprietary Milo Healthcare platform for clinical data collection.

Excelya

Excelya is a leading France-based full-service CRO with headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt (Paris) and offices across 28 countries in Europe, the USA, and India. They provide comprehensive clinical development services including clinical operations, regulatory affairs, data management, biostatistics, medical writing, and pharmacovigilance. Founded in 2014 and now employing over 900 experts, they specialize in oncology and hematology, rare diseases and pediatrics, infectious diseases, and late-phase studies, serving pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies with a flexible one-team approach that emphasizes compassionate care and operational excellence throughout all trial phases.

Kappa Santé

Kappa Santé is a Paris-based CRO founded in 2003. They specialize in epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, public health, and digital health interventions, with particular expertise in real-world evidence and real-world data collection. In 2023, Kappa Santé joined the Spanish CRO APICES to form a European research group. As an independent full-service CRO and member of ENCEPP and AFCROS, they offer innovative studies integrating digital components including connected objects, e-PRO platforms, and artificial intelligence, supporting clients from study design through publication across multiple therapeutic areas with emphasis on patient-centric data collection.

Translational Research In Oncology (TRIO)

Translational Research In Oncology (TRIO) is a not-for-profit full-service oncology CRO with headquarters in Edmonton, Canada and regional offices in Paris, France and Montevideo, Uruguay. They provide comprehensive oncology clinical development services from study conception through design, execution, data analysis and results presentation across Phase I-IV trials. Founded in 1997 (originally as BCIRG), TRIO operates under a translational research model led by renowned oncology experts, leveraging a global network of over 500 investigational sites across more than 25 countries. They specialize exclusively in oncology trials, combining academic leadership, experienced clinical research professionals, and laboratory scientists to accelerate cancer drug development through biologically-driven, practice-changing research.

Euraxi

Euraxi is a France-based full-service CRO founded in 1986 and headquartered in Joué-lès-Tours, near Tours. They provide comprehensive clinical development services including interventional and non-interventional clinical trials (Phases I-IV), data management, biostatistics, medical writing, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, and specialized home trial nursing services. With over 35 years of experience and more than 140 employees, Euraxi has successfully managed over 2,000 projects across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, dermocosmetics, and nutrition. As one of France's oldest CROs and a member of AFCROS, they offer agile full-service or tailored solutions including early access programs (EAP) and compassionate use authorizations, with particular expertise in medical device assessments and home-based clinical services.

TFS HealthScience

TFS HealthScience is a global mid-size full-service CRO headquartered in Lund, Sweden, with operational presence in France as part of its extensive European network spanning over 40 countries. Founded in 1996, they provide comprehensive clinical development services including Phase I-III trials, post-authorization studies, and real-world evidence generation, along with strategic resourcing solutions through FSP and staffing models. With nearly 700 professionals globally, TFS specializes in dermatology, neuroscience, oncology, and ophthalmology, combining full-service capabilities with the flexibility and personalized approach of a mid-size organization. Their French operations contribute to their broader European footprint supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with tailored clinical research solutions.

IQVIA

IQVIA is a global leader in healthcare data, technology, and clinical research with major operations in France dating back to 1960. Based in Courbevoie (Paris region) at Tour D2, IQVIA France employs approximately 2,000 professionals across the country and serves as a key player in the French healthcare ecosystem. They provide comprehensive services including clinical trial management (recruiting nearly 3,000 patients annually across 400 hospital centers), healthcare data analytics, consulting, and commercial solutions. As part of the world's largest CRO with operations in over 100 countries, IQVIA France delivers advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical development services from Phase I-IV, combining extensive healthcare data resources with local regulatory expertise to support pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies throughout France.

Parexel

Parexel is one of the world's largest global CROs with significant operations in France, including offices in Paris and the broader Paris region. Founded in 1982 and now employing over 21,000 professionals globally across more than 50 countries, Parexel maintains an active presence throughout Europe with 5,800+ staff and 30+ offices across the region. Their French operations are part of the company's extensive European network, providing comprehensive Phase I-IV clinical development services, regulatory consulting, data management, and functional service provider (FSP) solutions. With operations spanning multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, and rare diseases, Parexel France supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with local expertise backed by global CRO capabilities and resources.

ICON

ICON is a world-leading global CRO headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with significant operations in France including offices in Paris and Lyon. Founded in 1990 and operating from 90+ locations across 45 countries with approximately 41,900 employees worldwide, ICON maintains an active presence throughout France with both office-based and home-based clinical operations teams. Their French operations provide comprehensive clinical research services including Phase I-IV clinical trials, site management, regulatory affairs, data management, and strategic consulting across multiple therapeutic areas. As part of ICON's extensive European network, the France team delivers full-service CRO capabilities and functional service provider (FSP) solutions, supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies with local expertise backed by global healthcare intelligence and operational excellence.

Syneos Health

Syneos Health is a leading global biopharmaceutical solutions organization with operations in France, including offices in Paris. Founded through the 2017 merger of INC Research and inVentiv Health, Syneos Health is the only fully integrated company combining clinical development (CRO) and commercial services. Their French operations provide comprehensive clinical research services including Phase I-IV trials, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, and commercial solutions. As part of Syneos Health's extensive European network of 250+ healthcare communications experts serving 20 major markets, the France team delivers clinical trial management, functional service provider (FSP) solutions, and integrated biopharmaceutical services across multiple therapeutic areas, supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with local expertise backed by global capabilities.

Medpace

Medpace is a scientifically-driven global full-service CRO headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with French operations based in Lyon. Founded in 1992 and employing approximately 6,000 people worldwide, Medpace opened its Lyon office in 2012 to strengthen European clinical operations as part of its 12-office European network serving 30 EU countries. The France office provides full-service Phase I-IV clinical development capabilities, housing regional project managers and clinical research associates who monitor studies throughout Europe. As a member of AFCROS, Medpace France leverages deep therapeutic expertise across oncology, cardiology, metabolic diseases, endocrinology, CNS, and infectious diseases, delivering high-science, disciplined clinical trial management for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies with integrated efficiency and local regulatory knowledge.

This premier two-day gathering in Amsterdam delivers actionable insights on emerging technologies, site relationships, and the future of the European CRO landscape.

Find Our More Here: https://www.thepbcgroup.com/cog-cro-summit-europe

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