IITRI Advantage

A midsize CRO with the capabilities of a large organization and the personal attention of a true scientific partner.

As a midsize preclinical CRO, IITRI delivers high quality studies supported by a superior customer experience. Sponsors work with a team that knows their program, communicates openly, and collaborates closely from start to finish. We combine deep scientific expertise with the flexibility and responsiveness needed to move studies forward efficiently. Whether you are tackling a complex challenge or advancing a new idea, we operate as an extension of your research team.

Dedicated to Scientific Excellence

IITRI brings together a highly experienced and well integrated team of toxicologists, analytical chemists, clinical scientists, veterinary pathologists, molecular biologists, microbiologists, Quality Assurance auditors, and administrators. Our teams do more than execute studies. They help you think through challenges, refine designs, and make informed decisions.

We have conducted GLP compliant studies since the inception of GLP in 1979 and maintain strong relationships with all regulatory agencies. Our long standing partnership with the National Cancer Institute reflects our reliability, scientific rigor, and consistent delivery of high quality work. This partnership includes more than 20 years of multi year toxicology and pharmacology programs and more than 60 years of cancer research.

Experienced Study Teams

Sponsors work directly with experienced professionals who stay engaged throughout the entire study. This continuity is a hallmark of the IITRI experience.

• The median length of staff service exceeds 10 years, with some senior team members serving for more than 30.
• One third of our staff hold advanced degrees including PhD, DVM, and MS.
• Toxicology Study Directors are board certified through DABT.
• Preclinical development studies are supported by board certified veterinary pathologists, ophthalmologists, and cardiologists.
• Most technicians hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, and are encouraged to obtain their Master’s degree or other professional development opportunities while at IITRI.

This depth of experience ensures thoughtful study design, meticulous execution, and reliable interpretation of results.

All Study Functions at One Facility

Our 100,000 square foot Chicago campus houses every major function needed for preclinical studies. Having everything in one place allows us to work efficiently, communicate clearly, and solve problems collaboratively.

Our onsite capabilities include:

• Clinical pathology
• Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry
• Microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology
• Cross functional study teams that stay with your project from initiation through reporting

This integrated model gives sponsors the convenience and responsiveness they would expect from a trusted local expert combined with the scientific strength of a national CRO.

Fully Accredited Facilities

The IITRI vivarium is a fully accredited facility for housing all standard rodent and non-rodent species. IITRI is a “DOD-secure” facility; both the physical security of IITRI laboratories and our facility security program are regularly reviewed by inspectors from the United States Department of Defense. Our ABSL-2 and ABSL-3+ containment suites are available for studies involving pathogenic agents and medical countermeasures (MCM), and inhalation exposure suites are available for studies in small and large animals.

These capabilities support a wide range of preclinical programs including complex infectious disease and inhalation toxicology studies.

View our accreditations