CVOs vs. CROs
Greater control. Better outcomes.
A contract vivarium (CVO) offers a strategic alternative to CRO outsourcing, enabling biotech teams to run studies in-house with greater control, faster timelines, and stronger confidence in their data.
Why Study Control Matters in Early Development
Early-stage in vivo research plays a critical role in determining whether therapeutic programs advance or fail. Across therapeutic areas and emerging modalities, experimental design, protocol adjustments, and real-time observation are essential to generating reliable proof-of-concept and translational data.
The contract vivarium model allows research teams to maintain direct oversight of experimental design and execution while operating within professionally managed facilities that provide animal care, veterinary services, and regulatory compliance.
Contract Vivarium vs. CRO Outsourcing
For many biotech companies, CRO outsourcing has been the traditional path for preclinical in vivo studies. However, CRO service models often operate within fixed timelines and standardized workflows across multiple clients.
While CROs remain valuable for regulated and specialized studies, many discovery and proof-of-concept programs benefit from environments where scientists maintain direct involvement in study execution and interpretation. The contract vivarium model enables research teams to conduct studies within controlled facilities while avoiding common limitations of outsourced research pipelines.
| Feature | Contract Vivarium Model | Traditional CRO Model |
|---|---|---|
| Study Execution | Scientists conduct and oversee their own studies | Studies executed by external CRO teams |
| Flexibility to Pivot | Immediate protocol adjustments and study iteration | Changes often require study redesign or contract amendments |
| Hands-On Study Management | Continuous observation of animal models | Limited direct interaction with studies |
| Control of Timelines | Research schedules controlled by the internal team | Study timelines dependent on CRO availability |
| Expertise in Proprietary Study Designs | Direct handling of proprietary or novel research programs | Standardized CRO workflows may limit expertise |
Scientists conduct and oversee their own studies
Studies executed by external CRO teams
| Contract Vivarium Model | Traditional CRO Model | |
|---|---|---|
| Study Execution | Scientists conduct and oversee their own studies | Studies executed by external CRO teams |
| Flexibility to Pivot | Immediate protocol adjustments and study iteration | Changes often require study redesign or contract amendments |
| Hands-On Study Management | Continuous observation of animal models | Limited direct interaction with studies |
| Control of Timelines | Research schedules controlled by the internal team | Study timelines dependent on CRO availability |
| Expertise in Proprietary Study Designs | Direct handling of proprietary or novel research programs | Standardized CRO workflows may limit expertise |
Data That Withstands Scientific and Investor Diligence
The standards for early-stage proof-of-concept data have shifted. Venture investors and pharmaceutical partners increasingly require robust in vivo datasets before advancing programs into licensing discussions, Series B financings, or clinical development.
Data generated within contract vivarium environments allows scientific teams to remain directly involved in study execution, observation, and interpretation. This level of engagement strengthens experimental rigor and ensures that critical variables, protocol adjustments, and model behavior are understood in real time.
Create Value by Keeping Studies In-House
Advance proof-of-concept studies with greater control, reproducibility, and speed by conducting in vivo research within Mispro facilities.
Mispro vs. CRO
- 6X Increase in study throughput
- 50% Less spend over time
- 70% Reduction in failure rates
Exit Activity Across Mispro Vivaria
- 75% Of biotech M&A activity in 2025
- $19B In 2025 M&A value
- 25% Achieved exits since 2018
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