In 2025, Altasciences proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary—a milestone that not only marks the passage of time but serves as a testament to the company’s enduring mission: to help bring better drugs to those who need them, faster. What began as a regional service provider has evolved into a fully integrated, mid-sized CRO/CDMO with a bold vision. For three decades, Altasciences has been breaking down the traditional silos of early-phase drug development, offering a truly integrated, agile, and client-centric approach that is transforming how biotech and pharmaceutical companies navigate the path from discovery to proof of concept. Moreover, the company’s passion has guided Altasciences through years of innovation, growth, and distinction, earning it over 35 industry awards in the past seven years alone—including Scrip Awards and multiple CRO and CDMO Leadership Awards. “Our evolution has always been centered around one thing: meeting the complex, evolving needs of our clients. We view early-phase development as a continuum, not a collection of isolated steps,” says Chris Perkin, CEO, Altasciences. “That’s what sets us apart. Our integrated approach bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical stages, enabling us to reduce timelines by up to 40% and drive meaningful impact at each development milestone.”

Altasciences approaches drug development as a strategic partnership, tailoring solutions to each client’s needs while providing the flexibility to engage with one service or the entire suite. Sponsors benefit from streamlined transitions between preclinical safety assessments, bioanalytical services, formulation development, clinic-ready manufacturing, on-demand clinical pharmacy, and clinical trials—ultimately accelerating programs from discovery to proof of concept.

Founded in 1994, Altasciences remains ahead of the curve by embedding AI into its operational fabric. The company has formed a dedicated AI Steering Committee to responsibly guide the adoption and integration of AI tools across its services. These tools enhance data analysis, automate repetitive tasks, and improve workflow efficiency—allowing scientists to focus on high-impact decision-making. “We’re already using AI to process vast clinical datasets and streamline communications with smart dashboards,” says Perkin. “Our goal is not just to innovate, but to ensure these tools align with regulatory standards and truly enhance the client experience.”

That client experience is where Altasciences truly shines. Traditional outsourcing models often require sponsors to coordinate between multiple vendors, leading to inefficiencies and communication breakdowns. Altasciences eliminates these handoffs by centralizing all services under one umbrella and maintaining seamless data sharing between internal teams. Through a proprietary system known as Ask Albert, all client insights, study details, and historical data are stored and made instantly accessible across scientific and operational units. This ensures every project moves forward without unnecessary repetition, while fostering consistent and proactive planning. “We believe in simplifying complexity. Our Tell Us Once™ promise is exactly that—clients don’t need to repeat themselves or re-explain their goals at each stage,” says Perkin. “We treat every project, no matter the size, as our own. That’s the personal touch we bring to every partnership.”

Altasciences operates nine strategically located research and development facilities across North America, including four preclinical sites, three clinical pharmacology units, three bioanalytical labs, and a formulation and manufacturing facility. These facilities are FDA-inspected and purpose-built to support speed and compliance. Each site brings specialized capabilities: Scranton focuses on ophthalmology and efficacy pharmacology, Sacramento on translational research in nonhuman primates, Seattle on monoclonal antibodies and gene therapy, and Columbia on miniature swine research and dermal studies. Clinical units in Montréal, Kansas City, and Los Angeles offer over 580 beds for Phase I and II trials, including specialized assessments such as human abuse potential and driving simulation studies. The company’s manufacturing facility features Grade C cleanrooms for potent compound handling, a cGMP warehouse, and an on-site analytical and formulation lab—all consolidated to reduce cycle times and increase program adaptability.

This streamlined, integrated approach has real-world benefits. In one recent example, a sponsor developing a GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity and diabetes faced challenges in accounting for weight-loss-related confounding factors during a toxicology study. Altasciences designed an IND-enabling study in canines, using a proactive high-fat, high-protein diet during acclimation to preserve animal health and maintain data integrity. The study was completed without interruptions, yielding robust data and accelerating the client’s path to regulatory submission. “We don’t just run studies—we solve problems. It’s about scientific creativity, agility, and collaboration,” emphasizes Perkin. “That’s the difference between a service provider and a true partner.”

Looking ahead, Altasciences is poised for continued growth. Since 2020, the company has expanded its footprint significantly, adding six new sites including preclinical, clinical, and manufacturing facilities. Plans are already underway to expand its preclinical and bioanalytical capabilities further and to grow its presence in Europe. With breakthroughs emerging in areas like GLP-1 agonists and treatments for complex conditions such as glaucoma, Altasciences is prepared to support the next generation of therapeutics with its comprehensive suite of CRO services. “Altasciences is not standing still. Our growth reflects our commitment to being wherever our clients need us to be—geographically and scientifically,” says Perkin. “We will continue to evolve, but our core values—agility, integrity, and partnership—will remain constant.”

Today, in a crowded CRO landscape, Altasciences stands apart by delivering integrated early-phase solutions with the responsiveness and attention of a true partner. By transforming the outsourcing experience and keeping client needs at the center of its operations, Altasciences is shaping the future of early-phase drug development—one study at a time.