Upturn in Temporary Drug Safety Staff Augmentation

The number of pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations seeking additional drug safety expertise on a project or temporary basis is up marketwide, according to Klein Hersh International, a leading placement firm in the life sciences industry.

“Our company has seen significant growth in this area, and the momentum continues as companies scramble for talent who can plug gaps and meet deadlines,” said Klein Hersh Director of Drug Safety and EpidemiologyDan Strauss. “Our expertise in this market means we are in a prime position to quickly add experienced consultants to our clients’ teams, and also help other organizations that need interim talent within drug safety.”

In response to the growth in this segment, Klein Hersh is adding pharmacovigilance physicians and other drug development personnel to its available resources.

“We are mirroring what we’re seeing in the marketplace and ramping up,” Strauss said. “This is not a trend that we envision ending anytime soon.”

Strauss said the upturn may be part of a broader business trend toward using contract employees.

“For a lot of companies, it would be a significant drain on payroll to employ permanent, high-level team members who are qualified to assess product viability, review adverse events or oversee safety surveillance,” Strauss said. “However, by providing these companies with drug safety expertise only when they really need it most, Klein Hersh ensures that everybody wins.”