By John Zehmer, PhD, Senior Scientist and Study Director at BioReliance Conducting a viral clearance study is an important step on the road toward getting your biomolecule into the clinic and on its way to becoming a drug. However, since most companies do not have the systems in place to support a regulated virological study of this kind, this will likely mean engaging a contract research organization (CRO) as a partner. The keys to meeting your goals are solid planning and good communication between your group and your CRO partner. This article provides a high-level review of these processes and will aid in planning for a successful study.