In a new article for PharmaTimes, Sarah Tucker, Chief Operating Officer at Phastar, explores how Functional Service Provider (FSP) models are evolving to meet the demands of increasingly complex clinical development programs.
Sarah examines the trends reshaping clinical trial outsourcing, including the growing need for specialist expertise, greater operational flexibility, and stronger sponsor oversight. She explains why traditional FSP models, built around linear resource scaling, are no longer sufficient and outlines a next-generation approach focused on optimization, automation, and capacity-as-a-service delivery.
The article highlights practical steps for successful FSP mobilization, including governance, automation, real-time performance visibility, and flexible delivery models. Sarah also discusses the metrics sponsors should use to assess outsourcing success, from cycle time reduction and quality improvements to cost efficiency per deliverable, helping organizations drive faster, more effective clinical development outcomes.