On-Demand Webinar
What A True Phase I Partner Looks Like
Ernesto Chanona sits down with Greg Plunkett (CEO, Accelagen) and Dr. Gary Pekoe (CSO, Alphyn Biologics) to break down what actually separates a CRO that becomes a long-term partner from one that’s just a vendor — before you ever reach Phase 1.
On-Demand Webinar · ~61 Min
Ernesto Chanona, PhD
CEO & Founder, American Business Development
Greg Plunkett
CEO, Accelagen
Dr. Gary Pekoe
CSO, Alphyn Biologics, Inc.
In This Session
What You'll Learn
- Why choosing a CRO before Phase 1 is a strategic decision, not a procurement one — and what’s actually at stake: clinical timelines, regulatory readiness, investor confidence, budget discipline
- What separates a CRO that acts like a true partner from one that’s just executing a scope of work
- How to walk into CRO conversations already knowing what to ask — and what a good CRO should be asking you back
- Why founders who treat their CRO as a long-term teammate, not a vendor, tend to come out ahead
Choosing the right CRO is one of the most important decisions an emerging biotech company makes before entering Phase 1 — and it’s not just a procurement exercise. The right fit translates your development goals into a practical clinical path; the wrong one creates delays, confusion, and costs you didn’t budget for.
The relationship has to be collaborative from the start — both sides doing the homework, coming back to the table having actually thought about the project, not just answering when asked. That’s the difference between a vendor and a partner.
The Hosts
Your Hosts
“Pick your CRO as if they’re a teammate and a valued colleague and advisor — not just a vendor that’s going to perform a service for you.”
— Dr. Gary Pekoe, Chief Scientific Officer, Alphyn Biologics, Inc.
Want ABD's Help Evaluating Your Next CRO?
We help emerging biotech and life science companies build partnerships that hold up past the first contract — from CRO selection to U.S. market expansion. If you’re headed to BIO, ABD is on the partnering platform and hosting an investor dinner for companies raising capital and seeking strategic partners — let’s connect there too.