Medix Partners with Biotech to Accelerate IND Readiness via Fractional CMO Support

A breakthrough idea is only as strong as the team driving it forward. For one clinical-stage biotech company preparing two inflammatory disease assets for Phase I trials, the science was ready — but the leadership gap was threatening to slow everything down. With no Chief Medical Officer in place, critical regulatory and clinical strategies risked slipping off track.

About the Client

• West Coast-based, privately held biotechnology company
• Specializes in liver, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases
• Early-stage pipeline designed to address conditions with limited treatment options

The Challenge

Two promising assets were ready to move toward IND submission. The problem? No Chief Medical Officer to chart the course. For a lean biotech, bringing on a full-time executive wasn’t realistic — but without senior medical leadership, timelines could slip, momentum could stall, and the path to the clinic could quickly get off track.

The Solution

The client needed senior medical leadership to guide its programs toward IND submission without the cost and delay of a full-time hire. To solve this challenge, the company turned to Medix, a life sciences staffing partner with over 20 years of experience delivering specialized talent solutions across the entire development life cycle.

The client chose Medix for these reasons:

• Flexible engagement models that align with lean biotech budgets and timelines
• Access to one of the nation’s largest networks of specialized life sciences talent, including senior and executive leadership
• Proven speed-to-placement, delivering talent quickly without compromising on quality

The Results

Medix presented one candidate — and that was all it took. The client recognized the right fit immediately, and the full process from search to placement was completed in just 11 days.

• Flexible engagement model delivered impact: By leveraging a fractional leadership approach, the client gained access to senior medical expertise without committing to the cost or complexity of a full-time executive hire. This flexibility allowed resources to stay focused on advancing science while still benefiting from high-level oversight.
• Deep network, proven match: With one of the nation’s largest life sciences talent networks — including senior and executive leadership — Medix identified the right CMO candidate on the very first submission. The client’s immediate decision to move forward validated both the quality of the match and the strength of our network.
• Speed without compromise: The entire process, from search kickoff to placement, was completed in just 11 days. This rapid turnaround ensured the company maintained critical IND timelines while securing a leader who brought both the strategic vision and operational expertise needed to move programs forward with confidence.

Whether you need fractional leadership or full project teams, Medix delivers flexible, scalable staffing solutions across the life sciences life cycle. Let’s build the team that takes your science further — start here.