Accelagen is thrilled to welcome Trent Wadford as its US Senior Business Development Director. Trent joins the team during a pivotal moment, as Accelagen expands its presence into the US market, building upon its reputation as a trusted CRO (contract research organization) in Australia. With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare, Trent brings a wealth of expertise, a robust network, and a passion for helping companies advance life-changing therapies.
A Proven Leader in the Healthcare Industry
Trent’s career spans almost 20 years in the healthcare and drug development sectors, where he’s witnessed firsthand the challenges small and mid-sized biotech companies face in bringing their innovations to market. Funding hurdles and regulatory complexities often prevent promising therapies from progressing, leaving patients in need without solutions. Recognizing these challenges, Trent has made it his mission to support these companies, striving to ensure they have the resources and guidance required to succeed.
What attracted Trent to Accelagen was its Australian value proposition—leveraging the “Australian advantage” to streamline early-phase clinical trials. Australia’s expedited regulatory process and 43.5% R&D tax rebate offer US biotech companies a cost-effective and efficient pathway to advance their drug development programs. Trent believes this approach not only saves time and money but also allows companies to reinvest in research and development, accelerating the journey to commercialization.
Why Accelagen Stands Out
Trent’s decision to join Accelagen was also influenced by the company’s commitment to quality and responsible growth. In an industry where rapid expansion can often compromise data integrity and delivery, Accelagen has distinguished itself by prioritizing quality and keeping promises to customers over rapid growth. According to Trent, “Accelagen’s approach ensures that every project is staffed with the most qualified team, leading to reliable data and successful trial outcomes.”
Accelagen’s fully Australian-based operations mean every service—from regulatory planning to clinical trial execution—is eligible for the Australian R&D tax rebate. This strategic structure maximizes cost savings for clients, making Accelagen an ideal partner for companies looking to maximize their fundraising dollars..
Expanding into the US Market
As the largest healthcare market in the world, the US is a hub for groundbreaking discoveries and innovation. Accelagen’s entry into this market is a natural progression, and Trent’s leadership will play a key role in its success. With his extensive network and deep understanding of the US healthcare landscape, Trent is well-positioned to introduce Accelagen’s services to American biotech companies.
One of Trent’s key goals is to educate US companies about the Australian R&D tax incentive. Despite its successl, some companies remain unaware of the 43.5% cash rebate, which can significantly reduce the financial burden of early-phase trials. “At the end of the day, this isn’t just about saving money—it’s about giving companies the opportunity to bring life-saving and life-changing treatments to patients faster,” Trent explains.
A Vision for the Future
Trent recently attended the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, a key event that sets the tone for the year in biotech and investment. His takeaways from the conference highlight cautious optimism among investors, with a potential resurgence in funding expected by late 2025. Accelagen’s emphasis on transparency, proactive planning, and tailored solutions positions it perfectly to meet the needs of biotech companies navigating this ever-evolving landscape.
“At Accelagen, we start with the end in mind,” Trent says. “Whether a client aims to out-license their asset or take it through commercialization, we design development pathways tailored to their goals. Ourapproach ensures clients receive honest feedback, responsible financial stewardship, and expert guidance every step of the way.”
Who Should Partner with Accelagen?
Trent’s focus is on working with companies at various stages of drug development—from pre-IND planning to early-phase trials and beyond. Companies seeking a cost-effective partner that prioritizes quality and communicationwill find exceptional value in Accelagen’s services.
“We’re not just an order taker,” Trent emphasizes. “We’re a passionate team mate , invested in our client’s success. We areunafraid to provide candid advice—even when it’s not necessarily what a client wants to hear. Our goal is to help our clients navigate challenges with the knowledge they need tomake informed decisions that lead to success.”
Looking Ahead to Accelagen’s 2025
Trent’s enthusiasm for his role at Accelagen is clear. He’s eager to connect with biotech companies and share how Accelagen’s approach can help them achieve their goals. “Accelagen’s culture, focus on quality, and commitment to responsible growth set it apart from other CROs. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s truly making a difference in the industry,” Trent shares. With Trent leading the charge in the US, Accelagen is well-equipped to expand its impact, helping more companies bring innovative treatments to patients worldwide. Welcome to the team, Trent!
As we continue to expand, we’re looking for passionate, talented individuals who share our mission to accelerate human health. Interested in joining us? Explore our Careers page →