Ethica CRO Inc. is a full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) that conducts and manages ethical clinical research on drugs, biologics, medical devices and natural health products. Since its inception in 2002, ethica has been dedicated to ensuring that its processes respect participants’ rights and that its services are delivered according to the highest standards of ethical and clinical practice. This commitment led to ethica becoming the first Canadian entity and the first CRO in the world to earn full accreditation of its Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) in 2006. This places ethica in a select group of healthcare institutions, hospitals and universities, such as the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center in Boston, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore.
Overcoming CRA Challenges
When Ayming first met ethica CRO’s founder Dr. Janice Parente in 2014, she was having some issues with CRA processing its SR&ED claims. ethica CRO had been applying for SR&ED tax credits for many years, but files were repeatedly selected for review each year. The RTA was requesting extensive documentation to support the claim, despite CRA making only minor adjustments to the claim. The audits were time consuming and drawn out over several months, interfering with day to day business operations. The 2013 claim was fast approaching the prescribed deadline, but the 2012 claim was not yet resolved, despite representations made by ethica CRO’s previous SR&ED consulting firm and letters of complaint to Canada Service. ethica CRO knew it would be faced with another audit, and sought help from Ayming to navigate CRA.
The Ayming Approach
Ayming brings unmatched expertise and strategic insight to transform SR&ED challenges into successful, streamlined experiences. Their hands-on support has helped companies like ethica CRO confidently navigate complex audits and optimize claim processes year after year.
Key elements of Ayming’s approach include:
Audit Navigation & CRA Liaison
We took immediate action by requesting CRA’s internal working papers and reviewing past SR&ED assessments to understand the agency’s perspective. They engaged directly with CRA to clarify scope, address audit history concerns, and establish a fair and concise review timeline.
Claim Preparation & Documentation Strategy
During the full review of the 2013 claim, we meticulously prepared tailored documentation aligned with CRA’s requests. They ensured every supporting document correlated directly with the technological uncertainties and work outlined in the claim, resulting in a successful audit outcome.
Streamlining the Review Process
We simplified what used to be a stressful process. By coordinating directly with CRA’s RTA, identifying potential review issues early, and organizing key evidence for on-site review, they ensured the audit was completed efficiently, with over 90% of the claim accepted.
Transforming Compliance into Confidence
With Ayming’s help, ethica CRO’s relationship with CRA has dramatically improved. All subsequent SR&ED claims have been accepted as filed, and the audit process is now viewed as manageable, even welcome, rather than a burden.
Ongoing Optimization & Internal Process Support
Over the past three years, Ayming has helped refine internal procedures and reporting workflows to maximize claim quality and value. Their ability to grasp scientific details and frame them convincingly has been a key driver of the client’s 100% success rate.
The audit was completed within the efficient and agreed-upon timeframe with a success rate of over 90%. The relationship that the client has with CRA has since turned around, and all subsequent SR&ED claims submitted have been accepted as filed.
Our SR&ED Services
Ayming Canada’s team of SR&ED experts boast over 200 years of combined experience. They are best positioned to ensure that you are not leaving any money on the table, while submitting strong and defendable claims.
Ayming offers flexible engagement options, giving you the ability to choose the best service that meets your needs. We can tailor our agreements depending on the level of involvement you require.
