Parexel is an American contract research organization. It conducts clinical trials on behalf of its pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients to expedite drug development and clinical trial progress. It is one of the largest clinical research organizations in the world.
Parexel was founded in 1982 by Josef von Rickenbach and organic chemist Anne B. Sayigh [3][4] initially to advise Japanese and German firms on how to navigate the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approval process.[5] The firm has grown organically over the years and through 40 acquisitions. Josef von Rickenbach is credited with establishing Parexel's culture and practices based on the principles he experienced as a researcher at Schering-Plough in Lucerne, Switzerland, before leaving the company upon retiring in 2018.[5] In 1990, the firm expanded internationally and established new practice areas. By 1999, it had a staff of 4,500 and 45 offices.