Experienced, Agile, and Quality are our Reputation
About BioPier
BioPier Inc. is a Boston-based premium contract research organization (CRO) specializing in biostatistics and programming. Established by Lixin Gao in 2006, BioPier seeks to revolutionize clinical data review and biostatistical analysis in drug development. BioPier is recognized for its quality, on-time delivery, and experienced and efficient handling of drug submissions, particularly its capability to manage and accelerate urgent projects. The company takes pride in its extensive end-to-end biometrics expertise and proven track record of successful drug submissions. Trusted by leading biopharma companies, BioPier has conducted over 150 clinical study analyses in challenging therapeutic areas such as oncology, rare diseases, gastroenterology, vaccines, and more. Its decade-long service has contributed to the approval of more than 15 of the most innovative drugs, biologics, and medical devices for the betterment of patient health outcomes.
BioPier Team
BioPier is a team of highly experienced biostatistical consultants. Team members have an average of 8+ years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry; the core team has an average of 15+ years. Thirty-five percent of our team members have Ph.D. degrees, and 95% have earned an M.S. degree or above. We have a very stable workforce – our low turnover rate is the foundation of our service quality and 100% on-time delivery record.
BioPier Leadership
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Lixin Gao
President of BioPier
Lixin Gao was the founder, President, and CEO of BioPier Inc. before its acquisition by Veramed. He now continues as the head of BioPier, a Veramed US subsidiary, overseeing day-to-day operations with a particular focus on project-based services. Lixin is a skilled leader in the field of biometrics, emphasizing quality, on-time delivery, and efficiency. He began his career in 1996 as a statistical programmer at Parexel, and founded BioPier in 2006. His hands-on leadership style established BioPier as a trusted partner for leading pharmaceutical companies, appreciated for its ability to rescue their critical projects and deliver services of consistently high quality.
With an MS in Applied Statistics from WPI and a background in Theoretical Physics and computer programming, Lixin has a broad and adaptable skill set. Beyond his professional achievements, Lixin is a passionate endurance runner, having completed over 20 marathons and 70.3 Ironman races.
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Kexi Chen
Head of Operations of BioPier
Kexi Chen joined BioPier in 2015, where she oversees biometrics project workloads, manages resource allocation, and ensures high-quality client deliverables. She leads weekly all-staff and project lead meetings, embodying leadership characterized by compassion, process efficiency, and collaborative client engagement with the BioPier team.
Since 2002, Kexi has held progressively senior roles at CROs and biopharma companies such as PPD, Shire, Vertex, and Alkermes. With hands-on experience in over 30 regulatory submissions, she has become a recognized expert in biometrics workstreams and regulatory processes.
Kexi holds an MS in Information Systems from Northeastern University and an MD from Suzhou University, China.
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Karen Curran
Head of Business and Strategy
Karen Curran is the Chief Strategic Officer at Veramed and is also in charge of Veramed operations in America. She has 25+ years in the Biopharma Industry with Clinical Research Organizations, leading global teams across Standards & Innovation, Data Management, Statistics, Statistical Programming and Medical Writing. With a proven ability to successfully develop, manage and grow dynamic global business units, Karen also has market expertise in providing strategic guidance and developing innovative solutions for biometric processes, including CDISC adoption and implementation, on both large and small pharma and CRO environments.
Karen has extensive CDISC management knowledge and submission experience including the FDA, EMEA and the PMDA alongside an active leadership involvement in the PHUSE organisation for 5+ years and being a member of the CDISC Board of Directors.
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Debra Anderson
Head of FSP Services
Debra is a Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at Veramed. Debra is responsible for Veramed’s Biometrics FSP offering in North America. She excels in building and maintaining strong relationships and developing high performing teams. A highly skilled leader with over 24 years of experience in clinical research, Debra started her career as a Statistical Programmer, and subsequently advanced to managerial positions, building and overseeing global teams and developing leadership strategies. In her most recent role as Senior Director of Data Management at a global CRO, Debra provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for a large team of clinical data science professionals.
Debra holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Statistics and German from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Saint Thomas and a Certificate in International Business Management from National University of Ireland’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
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Terri Sampo
Head of Data Management Services
Terri is a Vice President of Biometrics at Veramed. Terri brings over 25 years of experience operating and managing data management and biostatistical teams. Terri is responsible for overseeing the data management department at Veramed and she is adept at understanding each client’s needs and customizing solutions to meet their needs. She is a firm believer of not one size fits all and will work closely with clients to create tailored solutions to achieve their goals. Terri holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University with a concentration in Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
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“Working with a specialist team like BioPier is a win-win strategy. Both highly experienced and highly flexible, they can easily scale-up when we are busy.”
– A client of BioPier Since 2015
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