NZCR

What NZCR does

NZCR (New Zealand Clinical Research) is a physician-led clinical research organization (CRO) headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, operating four sites across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch. The company specializes in early-phase clinical research—Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials—including First-in-Human studies, SAD/MAD trials, food effect studies, biosimilar studies, and increasingly gene editing and cell/gene therapy trials. Core technology consists of state-of-the-art physical research infrastructure including positive pressure clean rooms, ultra-low temperature storage (-80°C), temperature-controlled storerooms, centrifuges, fume hoods, and onsite PBMC processing. NZCR operates purpose-built dosing units in Auckland and Christchurch, with recruitment and outpatient capabilities in Hamilton and Wellington, enabling broad demographic and ethnic participant access (including a Mandarin-language outreach program).

The business operates as a professional-services CRO, generating revenue through fee-for-service clinical trial execution on behalf of global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO sponsors. Trials span therapeutic areas including hepatology, oncology, nephrology, metabolic disease, dermatology, and rare disease. Participant reimbursement varies by study based on complexity, duration, and procedure intensity (e.g., NZ$3,000-$14,000 per participant). Named enterprise customers include Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Intellia Therapeutics, Verve Therapeutics, Alvotech, Vertex, ReCode Therapeutics, OrsoBio, Medtronic, and Biogen, with IQVIA Prime Site designation since 2016 as a channel partnership.

The company traces its operational roots to Auckland Clinical Studies (1989) and Christchurch Clinical Studies (1990s), which merged under NZCR Group Holding Ltd. NZCR holds 35+ years of collective experience, has completed over 800 trials with 17,000+ participants, and has contributed to multiple FDA-approved drugs (Modeyso, Trikafta, Selarsdi) and EU biosimilar approvals. The 2024 acquisition of Optimal Clinical Trials expanded service lines into later-phase research, and integration of the Lipid and Diabetes Research Group (LDRG) added metabolic disease capabilities. NZCR is privately held with no disclosed external funding.

Name

NZCR

Legal name

NZCR Group Holding Ltd.

Website

https://www.nzcr.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

NZCR is a physician-led New Zealand-based contract research organization (CRO) operating four sites across the country, specializing in early-phase (Phase 1/2) clinical trials—including biosimilars, gene editing, and First-in-Human studies—for global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early-Phase Clinical Research Services (CRO)

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Clinical CROs (Phase I–IV) (HLAGAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Clinical Trial Site Operations & Study Coordination (HLAGACAE)

Keywords

• Early phase clinical trials
• Contract research organization
• Biosimilar clinical studies
• Gene editing trials
• Clinical research services

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Clinical Trial Services: NZCR operates as a contract research organisation (CRO), conducting clinical trials on behalf of pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO sponsors. Revenue is generated through fees for study execution, which vary based on trial complexity, phase, duration, and participant requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

NZCR (New Zealand Clinical Research) is a physician-led contract research organisation that conducts early-phase (Phase 1 and Phase 2) clinical trials on behalf of global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO sponsors. The company operates purpose-built dosing units in Auckland and Christchurch, plus recruitment and outpatient sites in Hamilton and Wellington, and offers biosimilar bioequivalence studies, First-in-Human and SAD/MAD studies, food effect studies, and pioneering in vivo gene editing trials (CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, epigenetic modification). NZCR also recruits healthy volunteers and patient populations, including ethnically diverse groups, and reimburses participants for their involvement.

Product overview

NZCR (New Zealand Clinical Research) is a physician-led clinical research organization offering early-phase clinical research services as a unified platform. The core offering includes Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials across healthy participant and patient populations. Key service lines include biosimilar studies proving bioequivalence for off-patent medications, and pioneering gene editing trials using CRISPR/Cas9 and related technologies. The organization operates purpose-built facilities in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch, providing participant screening, in-patient stays, and comprehensive medical monitoring. NZCR partners with global pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO companies to test new medicines, biosimilars, and gene therapies across therapeutic areas including hepatology, oncology, nephrology, and metabolic diseases.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early-Phase Clinical Research Services State-of-the-art research facilities and physician-led expertise to conduct complex early phase clinical research (Phase 1 and Phase 2) in both healthy participant and patient populations for global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CRO sponsors.
• Biosimilar Studies Clinical trials testing biosimilar medications that are near or identical to reference drugs, proving bioequivalence and safety for regulatory approval. NZCR has completed over 35 biosimilar studies.
• Gene Editing Clinical Trials Pioneering in vivo gene editing studies including CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and epigenetic modification for genetic conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hereditary angioedema (HAE), and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
• Participant Screening Services Thorough pre-screening and screening processes to ensure participants meet eligibility criteria, including medical history review, physical exams, and diagnostic tests.
• Clinical Trial Participation Program Comprehensive program enabling healthy volunteers and patients to participate in clinical trials, with support including medical monitoring, accommodation, meals, and reimbursement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800+ clinical trials completed over 35+ years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IQVIAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020IQVIA Prime Site Partner programme - NZCR (as ACS and CCST) selected as first Early Phase Prime Sites globally in 2016. Ongoing partnership recognised with IQVIA Certificate of Achievement award in 2020.
• AlvotechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for biosimilar development including AVT02 (Humira biosimilar) and AVT04-GL-101 (Stelara biosimilar PK similarity study). Results demonstrated bioequivalence leading to EU approval.
• Intellia TherapeuticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIVERSE study - Phase 1/2 trial for NTLA-2002 in vivo CRISPR gene-editing therapy for hereditary angioedema. NZCR contributed 14 participants, results published in NEJM.
• Verve TherapeuticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's first in vivo gene-editing trial using CRISPR/Cas9 for cardiovascular disease. NZCR dosed world's second patient - first in Southern Hemisphere.
• OrsoBiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhase 1 trial for TLC-2716 targeting triglycerides and NASH via Liver X Receptor. Dose-dependent improvements demonstrated, advancing to Phase 2a.
• Jazz PharmaceuticalscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHIPS, PRINGLE and CRISPS trials for Modeyso (dordaviprone). NZCR contributed 15 phase II patients and 100 healthy volunteers, leading to FDA accelerated approval for H3 K27M-mutant glioma.
• ReCode TherapeuticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFLAMINGO study - Phase 1 trial for RCT2100 mRNA medication for Cystic Fibrosis. Drug received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for treatment of rare CF mutations.
• NovotechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration featured in BBC StoryWorks documentary 'The Next Frontier' showcasing hepatitis B cure research. Novotech Director highlighted NZCR and Professor Gane's capabilities.
• Tune TherapeuticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for functional cure for Hepatitis B - part of BBC StoryWorks series feature. Professor Ed Gane leading as Chief Medical Adviser.
• MedtroniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClosed-loop insulin delivery device trial for Type 1 Diabetes. Results published in Diabetes Care and led to CE mark approval.
• BiogencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerALS (Motor Neurone Disease) gene silencing trial with Tofersen drug. 108 participants funded by Biogen showing drug effectively mutes defective DNA.
• Pacific Pathology Training CentreminorOthersMedical supply donation partnership - unused medical supplies shipped to Pacific Islands (Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands) where needs are great.
• Lipid and Diabetes Research Group (LDRG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLDRG, headed by Professor Russell Scott, officially joined NZCR Group. 30+ years experience, 200+ clinical trials. Strengthens metabolic disease research expertise.
• Optimal Clinical TrialscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquired to add considerable later-phase expertise to NZCR Group. NZCR Group Holding Ltd operates both NZCR and Optimal Clinical Trials (OCT).

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• PPD (Thermo Fisher Scientific): PPD, now part of Thermo Fisher, is a top-tier global CRO providing full Phase 1–4 services including early-phase and clinical pharmacology — competing for the same biotech and pharma sponsor relationships as NZCR.
• Parexel International: Parexel is a global full-service CRO with significant early-phase and biotech sponsor expertise, frequently competing for the same international pharma and emerging biotech customers as NZCR.
• IQVIA: IQVIA is the world's largest CRO with a full Phase 1–4 offering and is also an active partner of NZCR via the Prime Site programme; it represents both a peer and a customer relationship, and competes for the same biotech sponsors at much larger scale.
• Syneos Health: Syneos Health is a large global biopharmaceutical solutions organization with integrated CRO capabilities; it serves many of the same biotech and pharma sponsors as NZCR across early- and late-phase development.
• Charles River Laboratories: Charles River operates a global early-phase CRO business alongside its preclinical and discovery services, competing directly with NZCR for Phase 1 biosimilar and First-in-Human programs from biotech and pharma sponsors.
• ICON plc: ICON is one of the largest global CROs offering integrated Phase 1–4 services and competes for biotech and pharma sponsors across all major modalities, including the gene therapy and biosimilar pipelines NZCR serves.

Direct peers

• Celerion: Celerion is a global early-phase clinical research organization specializing in Phase 1/2a studies, SAD/MAD, biosimilars, and First-in-Human trials — closely aligned with NZCR's core service mix and target sponsor base.
• Worldwide Clinical Trials: Worldwide Clinical Trials is a mid-size global CRO with strong early-phase and complex therapeutic-area expertise across CNS, oncology, and cardiometabolic — directly comparable to NZCR's therapeutic focus and sponsor profile.

Regional players

• Linear Clinical Research: Linear Clinical Research is an Australian early-phase clinical trial facility based in Perth, with a comparable operating model (Phase 1 unit, healthy volunteer and patient studies, biotech sponsor base) — the closest direct regional peer to NZCR in Australasia.
• Novotech: Novotech is an Asia-Pacific-focused CRO with strong early-phase capabilities and is an explicit partner of NZCR (BBC StoryWorks collaboration); it serves many of the same biotech sponsors across APAC and is the most direct regional competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nzcr
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nzcr-christchurch
• Facebookfacebook.com/nzcrauckland

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NZCR