By Nancy Lamontagne | This article originally appeared in NCBiotech’s blog
Parexel, a clinical research organization (CRO) providing clinical and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry, has opened its new global headquarters in Raleigh’s North Hills Innovation District.
“Opening our headquarters in the North Hills Innovation District in Raleigh marks an exciting chapter in Parexel’s growth,” said Peyton Howell, Chief Executive Officer at Parexel. “This modern, energy-efficient and highly sustainable space reflects how we are evolving the way we work — creating spaces that inspire innovation, flexibility and collaboration for our team as we support and accelerate the development of new therapies for patients.
The company relocated from its Durham location and now occupies two floors in the newly constructed, LEED-certified Tower 5.
The building features an energy-efficient design, eco-friendly construction materials, water conservation systems, EV charging stations and easy accessibility to walking, biking and public transportation.
Ongoing investment in NC
Parexel has operated in North Carolina since 2014 and has around 1,100 employees across the state. The company continues regional investments in line with its commitments under the state’s Job Development Investment Grant program.
According to the company, the North Hills Innovation District headquarters is ideal for tapping into a workforce that understands the complexities of bringing new therapies to patients.
“The area’s prestigious universities supply skilled professionals in life sciences, data analytics, clinical research and regulatory affairs, while the local life sciences hub offers experienced personnel across drug development,” said Keri Mattox, the company’s Chief Business Officer. “This concentration of expertise, combined with the region’s growing tech sector, creates a strong talent pool for our operations.”
Emerging AI opportunities
Mattox says that the state’s biotech and pharma landscape is poised for remarkable growth, with artificial intelligence emerging as a key driver.
“Parexel is strategically positioned to leverage AI to accelerate drug development through our comprehensive clinical research services and strategic operating model,” she said. “The integration of artificial intelligence, particularly in clinical development, is revolutionizing how we identify targets, design trials and analyze data and outcomes – significantly reducing timelines and improving quality and success rates.”
Advancing its AI strategy, Parexel recently entered into a partnership with Weave Bio to accelerate regulatory submission processes and the time to market for new therapies. Weave Bio is a pioneer in AI-native regulatory automation management solutions.
As Weave’s CRO design partner, Parexel will maintain a period of exclusivity as the only CRO to use Weave’s AI templates designed in partnership with Parexel.
“AI tools are only as strong as the people behind them. Human experts provide the context that guides our platform and help translate its findings into action,” said Lindsay Mateo, Chief Commercial Officer at Weave. “Through this partnership, Weave will tap into Parexel’s deep regulatory expertise to refine and expand our solutions across the drug development industry.”
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