Frontier Science

What Frontier Science does

Frontier Science & Technology Research Foundation, Inc. (operating as Frontier Science / Frontier Science Foundation) is a New York-incorporated nonprofit founded in 1975 that provides end-to-end clinical trial data management, biostatistics, and research software services to federally funded clinical research networks, academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and individual investigators. Its core service portfolio comprises six integrated lines: Clinical Trials Data Management, Biostatistics (including an Independent Statistical Center for Data Safety Monitoring Boards), Software Solutions, Monitoring & Auditing, Quality Assurance & Compliance, and Education & Training. Underlying technology includes the proprietary Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), used by 350+ laboratories worldwide with a multi-year migration to a web/cloud architecture, the DataFax electronic data capture system, the open-source ASI Interpreter Java library for antiretroviral drug resistance algorithms, an Interactive Data Dashboard framework for NIH public repository data sharing, and the C3PNO Virtual Data Repository and Labelscape mobile app for ancillary workflows.

The organization operates from three U.S. offices (Amherst, NY as headquarters; Boston, MA; Madison, WI) plus international affiliate offices in Edinburgh, Athens, and Oslo, with research footprint spanning 18 countries across North America, South America, Africa, and Asia through NIH-funded networks. Frontier Science serves as Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC) for major NIH-funded networks including ACTG, IMPAACT, PHACS, and CP-CTNet, and as a prime awardee for NCI's CASCADE Network ($25M award) and CP-CTNet DMACC ($12M award). Revenue is generated through multi-year government grants and contracts from NIH/NCI/NIAID and bilateral research collaborations, supplemented by service contracts with pharmaceutical firms and academic institutions; pricing is contract-based with no public pricing, and the organization holds SOC 2 Type 2 certification and operates under FDA, HIPAA, GDPR, and ICH regulatory regimes. Recent wins include integration into the NIH 2020 restructured HIV clinical trials networks as SDMC Principal Investigator for both ACTG and IMPAACT, and recognition via the White House Cancer Moonshot program for CASCADE.

Name

Frontier Science

Legal name

Frontier Science & Technology Research Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://frontierscience.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Frontier Science is a 1975-founded nonprofit that serves as the Statistical and Data Management Center for major NIH-funded clinical trial networks, providing end-to-end clinical trial data management, biostatistics, software, and regulatory compliance services to federally funded research networks, academic centers, and pharmaceutical companies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Clinical Research Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Medical Laboratories (621511), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Clinical Trial Informatics (EDC/CTMS/eCOA/eTMF) (HLAGAJAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Site Data Management Support (EDC/Source/SDV Readiness) (HLAGACAL), Biostatistics, Statistical Computing & Clinical Programming (SAS/R/Pipelines) (HLACAOAO)

Keywords

• Clinical trial data management
• Biostatistics services
• Clinical research software
• Laboratory data management
• Clinical trial monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Brookline

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Research Grants and Contracts: Revenue primarily derived from NIH and NCI grant awards and contracts for clinical trials networks. Examples include the $12 million CP-CTNet DMACC award and $25 million CASCADE Network award from NCI.
2. Data Management and Statistical Services: Provides comprehensive data management, biostatistics, and technical services to observational studies and clinical trials. Services billed through project contracts with research networks and institutions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Frontier Science provides end-to-end clinical trial data management, biostatistics, and statistical center services to NIH-funded research networks, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. The organization supports clinical trials across all phases — design, development, conduct, analysis, and dissemination — with proprietary software tools including the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), DataFax electronic data capture, and Independent Statistical Center capabilities.

Product overview

Frontier Science Foundation is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive suite of clinical trial data management and biostatistics services. Its core portfolio spans six integrated service lines: Clinical Trials Data Management, Biostatistics, Software Solutions, Monitoring & Auditing, Quality Assurance & Compliance, and Education & Training. Key software products include the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS) used in over 350 laboratories globally, DataFax for fax-based data capture, the C3PNO Virtual Data Repository for NIDA cohort data sharing, and Labelscape for specimen label management. The Independent Statistical Center (ISC) provides dedicated IDMC and audit support. The company collaborates with major NIH-funded research networks including ACTG, IMPAACT, PHACS, CP-CTNet, and CASCADE, providing centralized data management, statistical analysis, and technology solutions across clinical studies worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS): Laboratory data management software used in over 350 laboratories worldwide for managing clinical trial specimen data
• Labelscape
• Independent Statistical Center (ISC)

Products and services

• Clinical Trials Data Management Comprehensive data management solutions for clinical trials of all sizes, covering study design support, data collection, migration, harmonization, quality control, monitoring, and real-time visualizations. For NIH-funded research networks, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical sponsors.
• Biostatistics Statistical services ranging from small specialized projects to complete end-to-end statistical support for all phases of clinical studies, including tables, figures, listings, interim reviews, and Data Safety Monitoring Board support. For clinical research networks and academic investigators.
• Software Solutions Custom and commercial software development and maintenance compliant with industry standards, including data management systems and mobile applications. For clinical trials networks and research institutions.
• Monitoring & Auditing Remote and on-site monitoring and auditing visits to ensure protocol adherence, participant safety, data integrity, and site readiness. For clinical trials networks and research institutions.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance Integrated quality management systems ensuring compliance with domestic and international research regulations including FDA, HIPAA, GDPR, and ICH guidelines. For clinical trials networks and research institutions.
• Education & Training Instructional programs and study documentation tailored to each specific study, curated by training specialists. For clinical trial site staff and study teams.
• Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS) Proprietary laboratory data management software used by over 350 laboratories worldwide for managing specimen tracking, laboratory data, and workflow for clinical research studies including HIV/AIDS, TB, and population health assessments. Underwent retro-validation in 2007 and migrated to a web/cloud version.
• DataFax Fax-based electronic data capture system for clinical trial data submission, with dedicated user support. For clinical research sites and trials.
• Independent Statistical Center (ISC) Specialized statistical support unit providing Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) services, risk-appropriate auditing, and independent statistical review for clinical trials. For clinical trial sponsors and DSMBs.
• Labelscape Mobile application for creating and printing specimen labels, used in clinical research laboratory settings. For laboratory and clinical trial staff.
• C3PNO Virtual Data Repository Virtual repository search tool linking laboratory, clinical, substance use, behavioral, and biological data from NIDA-funded cohorts to facilitate data sharing among researchers. For substance use and HIV researchers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,200+ clinical studies supported over five decades
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Wisconsin-MadisoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive-year partnership as Data Management, Auditing, and Coordinating Center (DMACC) for the Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Network (CP-CTNet). KyungMann Kim, PhD leads the DMACC at UW while Frontier Science leads centralized data management and reporting. Also collaborated on Independent Statistical Center (ISC) and CASCADE Network coordination.
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on CASCADE Network where Dr. Anna Barbara Moscicki directs independent risk-appropriate auditing of network clinical trials. Also partners on C3PNO project and AIDS/substance abuse research initiatives.
• Johns Hopkins UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Tuberculosis Report International Coordinating Center (TB-RICC) and RePORT International initiative for TB control and prevention research.
• Rutgers UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Tuberculosis Report International Coordinating Center (TB-RICC) alongside Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins for global TB research coordination.
• Vanderbilt UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Tuberculosis Report International Coordinating Center (TB-RICC) alongside Rutgers and Johns Hopkins for global TB research coordination.
• ICAP at Columbia UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership since 2015 on PHIA (Population-based HIV Impact Assessment) project providing LDMS installations, user support, training, and central database services across 14 sub-Saharan countries. Continues in PHIA 2 project.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)coreOthersFunder of C3PNO (Collaborating Consortium of Cohorts Producing NIDA Opportunities) project, a coordination center for NIDA longitudinal cohorts studying substance use in context of HIV. Sue Siminski serves as co-Principal Investigator.
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)coreOthersPrimary NIH institute funding HIV clinical trials networks (ACTG, IMPAACT) where Frontier Science serves as SDMC Principal Investigator. Funded restructured HIV clinical trials networks for next seven years.
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)coreOthersAwarded $12 million CP-CTNet DMACC grant and $25 million CASCADE Network prime award to Frontier Science for cancer prevention clinical trials coordination and HIV/cervical cancer research.
• NIH-Funded Research NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrontier Science serves as Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC) for ACTG and IMPAACT networks, with Marlene Cooper serving as SDMC Principal Investigator for both networks under NIAID restructuring.
• PHIA 2 Collaborating OrganizationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHIA 2 consortium includes: African Population and Health Research Center, African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at University of Cape Town, FHI 360, Institute for Global Health Sciences at UCSF, International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, Makerere University, Partnership for Supply Chain Management, PPD, Westat.
• Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Kathryn Gray previously worked as primary statistician for DFCI's Gynecologic Oncology Program providing statistical support for phase I-II clinical trials before joining Frontier Science.
• International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Kathryn Gray serves as senior statistician with IBCSG and sits on the translational research committee facilitating research design and statistical considerations for projects using biological materials.
• U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)minorOthersPHIA surveys implemented under PEPFAR leadership alongside CDC and ICAP at Columbia University across sub-Saharan countries.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)minorOthersPartner on PHIA surveys alongside PEPFAR and ICAP for population-based HIV impact assessments.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SCHARP (Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: SCHARP serves as a Statistical and Data Management Center for NIH-funded HIV prevention trials (HPTN, HVTN, Microbicide Trials Network) and operates from an academic nonprofit base. Like Frontier Science, it provides EDC, biostatistics, and laboratory data management for multi-site, federally funded clinical trial networks—making it the closest analog in business model, customer profile, and scope.
• EMMES Corporation (now part of Clario): EMMES historically operated as a privately held contract research organisation serving NIH and academic sponsors with biostatistics, data management, and clinical operations support, closely mirroring Frontier Science's SDMC and central laboratory data services before its acquisition by Clario in 2021.
• Westat: Westat is a large, employee-owned research organisation providing statistical, data management, and clinical research services to U.S. federal agencies, including HHS, NIH, and CDC. Its mix of biostatistics, survey research, and federally contracted clinical studies overlaps closely with Frontier Science's NIH-funded data management focus.
• Rho, Inc. Rho is a clinical research organisation that focuses on biostatistics, data management, regulatory affairs, and safety services for NIH, academic, and biotech sponsors, paralleling Frontier Science's core service portfolio with similar customer types and SDMC-style engagements.
• RTI International: RTI International is a nonprofit research institute providing biostatistics, clinical trial operations, and health research services to federal and commercial clients. Its mission-driven, research-oriented model and federal grant revenue mix are structurally similar to Frontier Science's nonprofit SDMC operations.

Broad incumbents

• Clario: Clario (formed from ERT and the post-acquisition EMMES business) is a clinical trial technology and endpoint services company providing eCOA, cardiac safety, imaging, and respiratory solutions, with EMMES-aligned data management capability. It is a broad incumbent competing in adjacent workflow services.
• ICON plc: ICON is a leading global CRO with extensive biostatistics, data management, and clinical operations services. It competes for the same trial sites and statistical centre business that Frontier Science seeks, particularly for phase III registrational trials.
• IQVIA: IQVIA is the largest global commercial contract research organisation, offering EDC, CTMS, biostatistics, central laboratory, and full clinical operations capabilities across all therapeutic areas. Frontier Science competes only partially for commercial biopharma trials, but IQVIA defines the competitive ceiling for clinical trial data management and biostatistics.
• PPD (Thermo Fisher Scientific): PPD, now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, is a top global CRO providing biostatistics, clinical data management, and laboratory services across all phases. Its broad commercial reach and growing federal business make it an incumbent competitor to Frontier Science in any mixed-funded portfolio.
• Medidata Solutions (Dassault Systèmes): Medidata provides the Rave EDC/CTMS and eCOA platforms used across most large commercial clinical trials. Its technology is the principal alternative to Frontier Science's proprietary EDC, LDMS, and DataFax stacks in any data capture RFP.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@FSTRFfilms
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/frontier-science
• Xx.com/frontier_sf

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Frontier Science