Your Specialized Obesity CRO Partner
Accelerating Obesity Drug Development with Precision, Speed, and Scientific Depth
Our obesity-focused clinical research platform spans pharmacodynamic model development, site-based patient access, and investigator expertise. Through our Obesity Task Force, American Board of Obesity Medicine trained investigator team, and internal Publication and Dissemination group, we bring strategic insight and execution strength to each phase of obesity clinical development. Whether designing first-in-human studies or accelerating proof of concept, Lotus and ERG combine scientific rigor with real-world readiness.
Obesity Experience
Over 40 studies conducted across early to late phase
Site Network & PIs
Obesity Task Force
Specialized teams focused on the strategic execution of anti-obesity studies
Pharmacodynamic Models
Anti-Obesity Biomarker Research
Obesity Medical Expertise
Nine physicians certified or training in obesity medicine
EVERY BODY Database
~160K profiles and growing by 10K/month for precise recruitment
Phase I Units
Goodbye BMI: Biomarkers in Anti-Obesity Drug Development
One of the most important trends in metabolic and obesity drug development is a shift in the biomarkers and endpoints that we use to quantify body weight or body composition now that the traditional biomarker – body mass index – is widely accepted as inadequate for the current state of anti-obesity drug development. With ERG’s membership in the FNIH Biomarkers Consortium and representation on the Metabolic Diseases Steering Committee, our subject matter experts are at the forefront of supporting these crucial development programs and can bring deep insights to every trial. |
Obesity Task Force
Driving Excellence Through Specialized Medical and Operational Leadership
Composed of experts across therapeutic and operational domains, the task force integrates cutting-edge science, specialized medical oversight, and operational excellence to ensure the comprehensive success of obesity research projects. We are shaping the future of obesity drug development by fostering collaboration with thought leaders and industry stakeholders, and by integrating clinical expertise with operational innovation.
“The Obesity Task Force is like compiling an all-star team of experts in Obesity drug development. It gives Sponsors an unparalleled advantage as we look cross-functionally at each study to ensure the protocol design, recruitment strategy, and regulatory landscape align to drive success. And it’s not a one-and-done approach. Our Scientific Leadership Team reviews every potential study in great detail as part of our commitment to being hands-on and collaborative.”
Bill Martin, PhD
President, Lotus Clinical Research
Reduce Variability with Unified Site Methodology (USM) in Obesity Clinical Research
Accurate, consistent measurement of clinical endpoints is essential to high-quality obesity research, particularly for early-phase drug and device trials where signal detection depends on precision. Our Unified Site Methodology (USM) program is designed to ensure standardized, reproducible execution of key procedures across sites, including critical study components such as anthropometric assessments and indirect calorimetry measurements.
- Validated techniques standardize procedures like waist/hip circumference and indirect calorimetry
- Centralized oversight ensures consistency and accountability across all sites
- Rigorous staff training minimizes inter- and intra-operator variability
- Improved data integrity through uniform execution of high-variability assessments
- Enhanced operational efficiency and compliance across study locations
- Stronger signal detection
- Increased regulatory confidence in study results
Keeping Pace with the Demand for Obesity Patients
Centralized recruitment is a cornerstone of our strategy in obesity clinical trials. Custom-built patient registries include overweight and obese participants with high prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, enabling rapid site-matched enrollment.
This infrastructure reduces screen failures, shortens timelines, and supports sponsor objectives for early phase and registrational programs.
Dynamic Database Build
EveryBodyResearch.com is a technology-enabled self-enrollment platform that empowers individuals to express interest in obesity research studies and supports rapid, large-scale recruitment. By leveraging advanced digital tools, the platform adds an average of 10,000 prospective participants to our database each month, fueling faster enrollment and smarter, data-driven recruitment strategies for our partners.
Diverse and Representative Populations
Our recruitment model includes proactive outreach to historically underrepresented communities and our diverse sites enable inclusion of patients across age, ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status. We believe that equitable research begins with inclusive access and our teams are working to make that a reality.
Supporting the Obesity Community
Behind every trial is a patient seeking change. Our commitment to compassionate, inclusive obesity research is reflected in our community engagement strategies. We partner with local clinicians, leverage real-time eligibility databases, and prioritize participant education to create meaningful opportunities for trial participation. Our model supports retention and patient satisfaction, leading to reliable data and long-term partnerships.
Enhancing Obesity Trial Execution Through the ERG–Lotus Collaboration
Lotus and ERG’s specialized and combined strengths enhance our ability to conduct clinical research in metabolic and endocrine disorders. Together, we coordinate closely to support sponsors seeking scalable, high-quality obesity trial execution. Lotus brings depth in CRO services and protocol delivery, while ERG offers extensive clinical site infrastructure and therapeutic expertise.
This strategic collaboration facilitates harmonized study execution, improves communication efficiency, and delivers the operational precision that today’s obesity programs demand.
The Intersection of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Obesity Clinical Research
Modern anti-obesity therapies increasingly target receptors that are broadly expressed across the central nervous system, extending their impact well beyond metabolic pathways. Emerging evidence suggests these agents may influence a wide range of centrally mediated functions, including mood regulation, cognitive performance, compulsive behaviors, and substance use. As a result, evaluating both the safety and efficacy of these therapies requires a nuanced understanding of neuropsychiatric and neurologic endpoints.
With deep, overlapping expertise in obesity, psychiatry, and neurology, our team is uniquely positioned to support sponsors in navigating these complexities. From study design through data interpretation, we bring integrated insight that helps uncover therapeutic potential while proactively addressing CNS-related risks, ensuring more complete answers for regulators, clinicians, and patients alike.
