Indero Marks 25 Years of Innovation in Clinical Research and Looks Ahead to a New Era in Dermatology and Rheumatology
Indero, the specialized contract research organization (CRO) formerly known as Innovaderm, has reached an important milestone in its journey—25 years of advancing science, driving innovation, and improving patient outcomes through clinical research. What began in 2000 as a single dermatology site in Montreal has evolved into a global enterprise, operating across more than 30 countries and four continents. Today, Indero is recognized not only for its deep expertise in dermatology but also for its growing leadership in rheumatology, reflecting both its adaptability and its forward-looking vision for the future of medicine.
This anniversary is more than a marker of longevity—it is a reflection of how a focused, science-driven company can grow into a global partner trusted by sponsors, investigators, and patients alike. As Indero celebrates its 25th year, the company is doubling down on innovation, therapeutic specialization, and the integration of advanced technologies, ensuring it remains at the forefront of clinical development.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Reach
The Indero story began in Montreal at the turn of the millennium, when Dr. Robert Bissonnette, a practicing dermatologist and clinical researcher, founded Innovaderm. Initially conceived as a dermatology clinical site, the organization quickly distinguished itself through scientific rigor, patient-centered values, and an ability to execute trials with precision.
As the clinical trials industry became increasingly global and complex, Innovaderm expanded beyond its roots. The transition from a local dermatology site into a full-service CRO was marked by steady growth, strategic investments in infrastructure, and a reputation for reliability. Rebranded as Indero, the company now operates worldwide, offering end-to-end solutions in clinical trial management while maintaining a specialized focus in dermatology and, more recently, rheumatology.
Today, Indero is active in North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, giving sponsors access to a truly global patient base. This expansion reflects both the growing demand for specialized CROs and the company’s success in exporting its expertise internationally. Despite this growth, Indero has remained committed to consistency, ensuring that clients experience the same high standards of quality and scientific rigor, regardless of geography.
Leadership Rooted in Scientific Expertise
One of the defining aspects of Indero’s success is the scientific leadership that continues to guide the company. Dr. Robert Bissonnette, Founder and Executive Chairman, brings a clinician’s perspective to clinical development—an approach that prioritizes patient needs while ensuring robust trial design.
Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Dr. Bissonnette explained:
“Dermatology and rheumatology are intrinsically linked through shared inflammatory pathways and overlapping conditions. Our expansion into rheumatology was a natural evolution, driven by scientific opportunity, unmet needs for a CRO specialized in rheumatology, and a strong belief that these patients deserve more dedicated research.”
This dual focus is not simply a diversification strategy—it is a logical extension of the company’s scientific foundations. Inflammatory skin diseases and rheumatologic conditions often share similar biological mechanisms, creating opportunities for research synergies and translational breakthroughs. By combining expertise in these interconnected fields, Indero is uniquely positioned to accelerate innovation for both patients and sponsors.
Building a Full-Service Global CRO
To support its expanding portfolio, Indero has invested heavily in developing a comprehensive infrastructure that allows sponsors to run complex global trials with confidence. The organization offers a wide range of services, including:
- Biometrics and data management for precise statistical analysis.
- Pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring to protect patients and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Clinical operations and development expertise tailored to dermatology and rheumatology trials.
- Regulatory strategy and support to help sponsors navigate global approval pathways.
By integrating these capabilities into a seamless, full-service model, Indero provides flexible support for sponsors ranging from biotech startups to large pharmaceutical companies. Clients benefit from consistent quality standards across all locations, along with direct access to therapeutic area experts who bring decades of experience to trial design and execution.
Equally important, Indero has nurtured strategic partnerships with leading clinical sites and key opinion leaders (KOLs). These relationships extend beyond transactional collaborations—Indero considers investigators and sites as true partners, valued on the same level as clients, patients, and employees. This philosophy has helped the company earn a reputation for trust and reliability, both essential qualities in the competitive CRO market.
Innovation as a Core Pillar
Throughout its history, innovation has been central to Indero’s identity. The company has played an active role in shaping the future of dermatology trials, contributing to the development of breakthrough therapies in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin diseases.
In early-phase research, Indero has consistently published in leading peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating its scientific leadership. The company also invests in internal R&D initiatives, including advanced methodologies and digital tools that enhance trial design, patient recruitment, and operational efficiency. One notable project is the development of a data warehouse platform, designed to strengthen feasibility assessments and improve study planning across global populations.
This spirit of innovation extends to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions. By integrating AI-driven analytics, Indero aims to accelerate study timelines, optimize protocol design, and improve patient matching—capabilities that are increasingly critical as trials grow more complex and data-intensive.
A Culture Built on People and Values
Behind Indero’s global reach and scientific achievements lies a strong corporate culture that emphasizes values, transparency, and collaboration. The company takes pride in recruiting employees whose personal values align with its mission of advancing science for the benefit of patients.
Ongoing training and professional development ensure that staff are not only technically skilled but also able to adapt to the evolving landscape of clinical research. Transparent communication across teams and geographies fosters a sense of unity, even as the company operates in more than 30 countries.
This emphasis on culture has created a high level of employee engagement, which translates into stronger client relationships and better trial outcomes. By investing in people, Indero ensures that its growth remains sustainable and mission-driven.
Looking to the Future: Scale, Speed, and Scientific Impact
As Indero celebrates its 25th anniversary, its leadership is focused firmly on the future. Jeff Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Indero, captured this vision:
Marking 25 years is more than a celebration. It’s a commitment to the future. We’re accelerating our global reach, expanding into rheumatology, and embracing AI to transform how clinical trials are designed and delivered. The next chapter of Indero is about scale, speed, and scientific impact.”
This vision reflects three key priorities:
- Scale – Expanding global infrastructure and site partnerships to deliver larger, more diverse trials with speed and efficiency.
- Speed – Leveraging technology and streamlined processes to reduce study timelines, helping sponsors bring treatments to patients faster.
- Scientific Impact – Continuing to lead in dermatology and rheumatology research, contributing to publications, and driving innovation in study design.
By pursuing these priorities, Indero is positioning itself not only as a service provider but as a true scientific partner—one that adds value to every stage of the clinical development lifecycle.
25 Years of Milestones and Contributions
Over the past quarter century, Indero has achieved numerous milestones that underscore its role in advancing medical research:
- Participation in landmark trials that shaped modern dermatology care.
- Development of novel methodologies to improve trial design and patient outcomes.
- Expansion from a single site in Montreal to a global CRO with operations across four continents.
- Establishment of longstanding collaborations with KOLs, investigators, and sponsors worldwide.
- Continuous investment in innovation and digital transformation to improve trial feasibility and execution.
These achievements highlight a trajectory of steady, mission-driven growth—one that reflects both scientific excellence and a deep commitment to patients.
A Patient-Centered Mission
At the heart of Indero’s 25-year journey is a consistent focus on patients. Whether developing treatments for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or advancing therapies for debilitating rheumatologic diseases, the company recognizes that the ultimate beneficiaries of its work are the individuals living with these conditions.
By combining scientific expertise with patient-centered trial design, Indero ensures that research not only advances knowledge but also addresses the unmet needs of those affected by complex diseases. This mission remains the guiding principle for the company’s next chapter.
A Legacy of Innovation, A Future of Possibility
As Indero reflects on its 25-year journey from a single dermatology site in Montreal to a global CRO with expertise across continents, the company remains focused on the future. Its expansion into rheumatology, embrace of artificial intelligence, and commitment to innovation position it to play an even more impactful role in the years ahead.
For sponsors, investigators, and patients, Indero’s 25th anniversary is more than a celebration of the past—it is a promise for the future. With a growing global team, a sharpened scientific focus, and an unwavering dedication to patient outcomes, Indero is poised to shape the next generation of clinical research in dermatology and rheumatology.
