Frontage Laboratories

About Frontage Laboratories

Frontage Laboratories operates as a contract research organization (CRO), providing integrated services for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The company was founded in 2001 by Dr. Song Li, who established the firm with an initial investment of approximately $100,000 in New Jersey. Dr. Li, who holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from McGill University, brought prior experience from management roles at Great Valley Pharmaceuticals and Wyeth, where he led various pharmaceutical product development projects. The company relocated its headquarters to Exton, Pennsylvania, in 2004 and has since expanded its operations globally, with 26 facilities across North America and China.

The business functions as a service-based entity, generating revenue by offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that support the entire drug development lifecycle, from initial discovery to late-phase clinical trials. Its clients range from emerging biotechnology startups to large pharmaceutical corporations. Frontage’s service model is designed as a “one-stop-shop,” which allows clients to outsource complex development processes, thereby leveraging the CRO’s operational efficiencies and scientific expertise. The company has positioned itself with a “Two Continents, One System” approach, ensuring consistent quality standards across its operations in the United States and China, the two largest markets for CRO services.

Frontage provides an extensive portfolio of services. These include drug discovery, preclinical services such as safety and toxicology assessment, and Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK). The company also offers Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) services, which encompass formulation development, analytical testing, and GMP manufacturing of clinical trial materials for various dosage forms like oral solids, injectables, and topicals. In the clinical phase, Frontage supports Phase I-IIa studies with bioanalysis, biomarker research, and biometrics services, including data management and statistical programming. This integrated model enables the company to assist clients in advancing molecules through the development process and preparing regulatory submissions such as IND, NDA, and ANDA for global markets.