In the world of drug development, where timelines are long and the journey complex,  transforming the overall process is rare. And although the field has contributed to countless medical advancements, its decades-old models that, while effective, have been slow to adapt. Yet, every so often, a leader emerges who dares to challenge that inertia—someone who not only envisions a better system but builds it.

Chris Perkin is one such leader. With over five decades of experience across preclinical and clinical research, with a short stop in pharmaceutical operations, Chris has become a driving force in redefining how early-phase drug development is executed. As CEO of Altasciences, he has championed a purpose-driven, integrated approach that streamlines processes, accelerates timelines, and puts both science and people at the center of the journey. His bold decisions and people-focused philosophy have earned him a reputation as one of the most visionary figures in life sciences today.

A Lifelong Commitment to Scientific Progress

Chris’ journey into the drug development industry began in 1975, laying the foundation for a career defined by scientific depth and motivational leadership. He entered the field as a preclinical study director in England and remained within the preclinical domain until 2010, with a stop in pharma. Over the decades, he held various senior roles, including positions as Director of Toxicology, General Manager, and Senior Corporate Vice President of a large international CRO.

As his responsibilities expanded, Chris became increasingly aware of a persistent inefficiency in the industry: the segmented nature of drug development. He often questioned why sponsors were required to engage with multiple CROs for different stages of the process. This fragmented approach, in his view, hindered progress and added unnecessary complexity. Recognizing the need for a better model, Chris set out to fundamentally change the drug development paradigm.

That opportunity came when he joined Altasciences as CEO in 2010. With a clear vision, he led the transformation of the organization into a fully integrated CRO and CDMO capable of managing every stage of early drug development. Under Chris’ leadership, Altasciences eliminated traditional barriers between early drug development phases, creating a streamlined, end-to-end solution that simplified the outsourcing process for clients, and accelerated time-to-decision.

End-to-End Services and a Seamless Approach

Under Chris’ leadership, Altasciences’ service portfolio expanded to  include preclinical and clinical research, bioanalysis, manufacturing and analytical services, regulatory guidance and support, and the full array of CRO services—all under one organization.

One of the primary advantages of this model is the elimination of delays caused by vendor handoffs. With Altasciences, handoffs for clients are virtually non-existent, as their entire early-phase program can remain within one vendor, for smooth transitions between development phases.

“By removing the need for sponsors to work with multiple vendors and centralizing their program management, scheduling, finance, and communication, we eliminate delays and allow for real-time decision-making,” Chris explains. “Whenever scientifically feasible, we parallel process key R&D activities, so we can move from preclinical studies to first-in-human trials quickly, without compromising quality or safety. This approach helps our clients reach critical milestones faster.”

In addition, Altasciences offers clients flexibility in project scope; they can choose to collaborate with the CRO/CDMO across multiple stages of development or partner for a specific study or service.

Vision, Mission, and Values that Drive a Revolution

Chris’ mission for Altasciences is clear: speed up and streamline drug development without sacrificing scientific integrity or safety. But behind that mission lies a deep respect for partnership and transparency.

“Our mission is straightforward: we help sponsors reach critical decision-making milestones faster and with ease. Unlike many CROs in the industry, we view the process as a continuum with intersecting parts, instead of a series of steps.”

The company is built on values that Chris has infused into every level of the organization: communication, transparency, dependability, honesty, and sound science. Because many clients choose to work with Altasciences across several phases of their development programs, the relationships formed become deeply collaborative. This continuity allows Altasciences’teams to develop a thorough understanding of both the clients and the intricate details of their projects.

“We treat our clients like colleagues and their projects as our own. Their success is our success,” Chris adds.

A Disruptive Model for a Fast-Moving Industry

Altasciences’ integrated CRO/CDMO services and novel approach to drug development translate into a results-driven exchange of information that reduces complexities, mitigates risk, condenses timelines, and enables cost savings for sponsors worldwide. They call this approach Proactive Drug Development.

To start, the company delivers clear, customized development roadmaps that are supported by real-time data generation for more informed decision-making at every step.

Chris shares that, “with our fully integrated offering and ability to parallel process research activities, along with eliminating silos, reducing handoffs from milestone to milestone, and closing communication gaps, we can reduce our clients’ R&D time from lead candidate selection to clinical proof of concept by up to 40%.”

Altasciences backs this strategy with sophisticated systems and in-house proprietary platforms, including centralized scheduling and Ask Albert. Ask Albert enables timely and efficient information-sharing across different phases, departments, and locations, strengthening communication and operational fluidity throughout the development process. Teams, departments, research phases, and sites operate cohesively, guided by harmonized tools, centralized scheduling and quality assurance oversight, and the coordination of dedicated project and program managers.

“Tell Us Once™ is our promise that clients will not need to repeat themselves at each stage of development–they only need to tell their story once, and we’ll take care of the rest,” explains Chris.

Managing Risk with Unified Leadership

Chris has reimagined the way CROs and CDMOs approach risk management by introducing a streamlined operational structure designed to support cross-disciplinary collaboration and minimize internal bottlenecks. In an industry where speed and regulatory compliance must coexist, he emphasizes the importance of having an organizational structure that is intentional, transparent, and well-integrated.

To achieve this, Altasciences implemented a unique management model that brings all scientific and operational teams under the leadership of just two co-chief operating officers. The result is a more agile organization with improved responsiveness and full operational oversight.

Overcoming Challenges Through Vision and Communication

Reflecting on the most significant challenges in his leadership journey, Chris identifies the transformation of Altasciences as both the greatest test and the primary reason he took on the role of CEO in 2010.

Back then, the organization was a small clinical and bioanalytical CRO supporting the testing of generic drugs. Chris’ vision was to evolve it into a forward-thinking company focused on innovator drug development, and eventually into a fully integrated, early-phase CRO/CDMO capable of managing every stage of early drug development—the first (and currently only) of its kind in the industry.

The process came with a range of complex hurdles, including the need to clearly communicate the vision to investors, staff, and potential clients to obtain buy-in. Strategic alignment, growth planning, and effective implementation were all critical to success. In addition, it was vital to build and empower capable teams, all while maintaining brand visibility and client relevance in a fast-moving and competitive market.

The path forward, Chris realized, involved building a strong internal foundation–a culture of open, honest communication across all levels of the organization. Leadership encouraged staff to share ideas, offer constructive criticism, and celebrate achievements together, and to continually listen to clients’ feedback and adapt based on what they deem important. This inclusive and transparent culture has become central to the company’s ability to adapt and grow.

Building a Purpose-Driven Culture

As Altasciences has grown, Chris has made sure that its values remain intact. He believes that culture and values are what sustain long-term growth.

But scaling a mission-driven organization takes more than growing headcount or capabilities. It’s about staying true to a vision even as complexity grows. Chris’ approach ensures that growth enhances rather than dilutes culture.

“When your team understands the reason for the work and feels supported in delivering it, they don’t just help you grow, they make that growth sustainable,” Chris shares. “I believe it’s this balance of purpose, values, and people that makes it possible to build an organization that can scale without losing sight of what matters most.”

Advice to the Next Generation

For those looking to leave a mark in the drug development industry, Chris offers advice grounded in experience and bold action: challenge the norm and carve your own path. His journey with Altasciences is proof that questioning long-standing industry practices, no matter how entrenched, can lead to groundbreaking innovation.

“Don’t hesitate to challenge conventional thinking. Innovate, take risks, and carve out a new direction,” Chris says.

When Chris first envisioned a fully integrated early-phase drug development model, the response was skeptical. Consolidating everything under one CRO—from preclinical to clinical proof-of-concept—hadn’t really been considered or considered attainable. The typical response he received was that “it hadn’t been done before.”

With persistence, passion, and a refusal to settle, he made it happen. “With a clear vision and unwavering resolve, you’ll naturally draw others who believe in the same mission,” states Chris.

A Life Full of Curiosity and Craft

Outside boardrooms and laboratories, Chris is no less inventive. A self-taught builder, mechanic, and brewer, his hobbies reflect the same traits that drive his professional life—curiosity, patience, and a love for challenges.

“I enjoy a challenge! I built my home craft brewery from the ground up,” Chris proudly shares.

Without owning a television since 1988, Chris prefers to spend his time acquiring hands-on skills. Whether working on his Harley, rebuilding old cars, or even restoring vintage pinball machines, he thrives on learning new crafts.

Nature also plays a big role in his life. Every winter, he takes several days to disconnect completely to camp and hike in the wilderness. His most formative personal project is living off the grid for an entire year in the late 1970s, raising animals, growing food, and buying only flour, sugar, and salt. This blend of simplicity and ingenuity reflects the same drive that fuels his leadership: resourceful, grounded, and always evolving.

What Lies Ahead

Altasciences continues to evolve in response to the rapid changes within the biotech, biopharma, and pharmaceutical sectors. Between 2020 and 2023, the company experienced significant growth, adding six new locations to support the increasing demands of its clients and the industry. These expansions included a new CDMO facility, a third clinical unit, three additional preclinical facilities, and an office in the UK, alongside strategic enhancements to its existing infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the organization is placing a strong emphasis on further expanding its preclinical sites and bioanalytical laboratories. Strengthening its presence in Europe is also a key focus.

As medical science continues to advance in many areas, including GLP-1 therapies and the treatment of complex conditions such as glaucoma, Altasciences remains committed to supporting sponsors in the development of innovative, life-changing drugs. The company is dedicated to refining and accelerating the early drug development process—an area where it continues to lead with confidence and capability.

A Legacy Defined by Transformation

Chris’ personal philosophy has always leaned toward progress through disruption.

“One key philosophy that has consistently influenced me, and has been instrumental in shaping the company, is the belief that true progress arises from challenging the status quo. In an industry dominated by protocols that are typically slow to change, I have come to realize that questioning conventional methods can pave the way for meaningful innovation.”

That mindset is what birthed the modern Altasciences model. By embracing change and nurturing a culture that values curiosity and adaptability, Altasciences has led the way in early-phase drug development, making a lasting impact in the field.

Chris’ influence on the global drug development space is undeniable. Under his leadership, Altasciences has changed how early-phase drug development is approached. His goal was never just to run a successful company; it was to push the entire industry forward.

“I would like to be known as a leader of a company that transformed early drug development for the better,” Chris reflects.

Today, with operations across North America and Europe, a growing list of industry awards and recognition, and a proven model, Chris’ vision has moved from a bold idea to a lasting legacy.