FOMAT Medical Research is an Embedded Research Organization (ERO) headquartered in Oxnard, California, operating a national network of clinical trial sites across the United States. Founded in 2013, FOMAT has spent more than a decade embedding clinical trials directly into active community physician practices, bringing research to patients where they already receive care.
In May 2026, FOMAT became the largest Embedded Research Organization in the United States following the acquisition of Topography Health’s research site business unit, expanding its national footprint to 40+ active clinical sites across 6 states.
What Is an Embedded Research Organization
An Embedded Research Organization integrates clinical trial activity directly into active medical practices and community health settings rather than operating standalone research centers. This model enables patients to participate in clinical trials through physicians they already know and trust, increasing enrollment speed, improving retention, and generating more representative data across diverse populations.
FOMAT pioneered this model in community-based research and continues to lead its expansion nationally. Learn more about how FOMAT works as an ERO.
FOMAT by the Numbers
- FOMAT Medical Research currently operates with the following network capacity across the United States:
- 40+ active clinical sites across the US
- 80+ investigators across the network
- 1,796,000 active patients within the EHR system
- 10+ years of clinical research experience
- Phase I through Phase IV trial capabilities across multiple therapeutic areas
A National Network of Clinical Research Sites
FOMAT operates clinical research sites across 7 states: California, Maryland, Colorado, Virginia, Michigan, New Mexico, and North Carolina.
- California — Oxnard (headquarters), Poway, Los Angeles, Santa Maria, Salinas, Merced, San Jose, Escondido
- Maryland — Baltimore, Chevy Chase, Glen Burnie, Rockville, Westminster
- Colorado — Centennial, Lakewood, Littleton
- Virginia — Manassas
- Michigan — Ypsilanti
- New Mexico — Albuquerque
Every FOMAT site is embedded within an active community medical practice, pre-qualified before joining the network, and operated under internationally recognized Good Clinical Practice standards from day one. View the full FOMAT investigator site network.
Therapeutic Areas
FOMAT conducts Phase I through Phase IV clinical studies across the following therapeutic areas:
- FOMAT conducts Phase I through Phase IV clinical studies across the following therapeutic areas:
- Allergy and immunology — including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria
- Cardiology and cardiovascular diseases — including heart disease, hypertension, and cardiometabolic research
- Dermatology — including psoriatic conditions and skin disease research
- Endocrinology and metabolic disorders — including obesity, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and cardiometabolic syndrome
- Family medicine and internal medicine — community-based primary care research embedded within active physician practices
- Gastroenterology and hepatology — including MASH, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, liver disease, and gut microbiome research
- Infectious diseases and vaccines — including influenza, RSV, salmonella, and pediatric vaccination studies
- Nephrology — kidney disease and related conditions
- Neurology — including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurodegenerative conditions
- Oncology — including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and hematologic malignancies
- Ophthalmology and retina — including age-related macular degeneration and ocular drug delivery
- Pediatrics and adolescents — including pediatric vaccination and respiratory studies
- Rheumatology — including rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- Urology — including related genitourinary conditions
- Wound care and related specialties — including chronic wound management and tissue repair research
Sponsors and CROs can explore active studies currently enrolling patients across these areas.
Phase I Through Phase IV Capabilities
FOMAT supports the full clinical development continuum. The dedicated Phase I unit provides trained teams and dedicated space for early phase studies including first-in-human and dose escalation work. Phase II through Phase IV studies run through embedded outpatient research settings with consistent processes and reliable enrollment through real world community patients.
Quality runs alongside operations through study execution to close out, with central quality and data teams reviewing activity while studies are active. Learn more about quality and compliance at FOMAT.
Patient Recruitment and Diversity
FOMAT’s approach to patient recruitment is built on direct access to nearly 1.8 million patients within its EHR network across community practices. Bilingual teams manage education, prescreening, and scheduling in English and Spanish. Inquiry response takes approximately 30 seconds, first outreach occurs within one business day, and visit availability is typically within 24 to 72 hours.
FOMAT trial data consistently shows higher enrollment from underrepresented communities compared to typical US trial averages, creating more representative datasets for sponsors. Diversity and inclusion are central to every recruitment decision at FOMAT. Explore FOMAT’s approach to diversity in clinical trials.
FOMAT has been recognized for its patient-centered model with the SCRS Excellence in Patient Centricity Award, the World Vaccine Congress ViE Award Best Clinical Trial Site First Runner Up, and the SPRIA Award Finalist 2022 for Site Patient Recruitment Innovation. Learn more about FOMAT’s patient recruitment model.
Why Sponsors and CROs Work With FOMAT
Sponsors and contract research organizations partner with FOMAT to access a pre-qualified investigator network embedded in active community practices with direct EHR connectivity to nearly 1.8 million patients across the United States. Key advantages include rapid site activation, consistent GCP compliance across all sites, bilingual patient support, and enrollment from diverse and underrepresented populations that are difficult to reach through traditional research centers.
FOMAT has been recognized in global industry reports as a key player in the US clinical trial investigative site network market alongside organizations including ICON, IQVIA, and WCG Clinical.
To discuss study feasibility, site activation, or partnership opportunities, contact FOMAT Medical Research.
Frequently Asked Questions About FOMAT Medical Research
What is FOMAT Medical Research? FOMAT Medical Research is a US Embedded Research Organization founded in 2013 and headquartered in Oxnard, California. It operates a national network of 40+ active clinical trial sites across 7 states, conducting Phase I through Phase IV studies across multiple therapeutic areas.
What does ERO mean in clinical research? ERO stands for Embedded Research Organization. It is a model in which clinical trials are conducted within active community medical practices rather than in standalone research facilities, enabling patients to participate through their existing healthcare providers.
How many sites does FOMAT have? FOMAT currently operates 40+ active clinical sites and works with 80+ investigators across the United States.
What states does FOMAT operate in? FOMAT operates clinical research sites in California, Maryland, Colorado, Virginia, Michigan, New Mexico, and North Carolina.
Does FOMAT conduct Phase I trials? Yes. FOMAT has a dedicated Phase I unit with trained teams and dedicated space for early phase studies including first-in-human and dose escalation studies.
How does FOMAT support diversity in clinical trials? FOMAT sites are embedded in communities with high proportions of underrepresented populations. Bilingual teams manage outreach, education, and scheduling in English and Spanish. FOMAT enrollment data consistently shows higher participation from Hispanic, Asian, Black, and other underrepresented groups compared to US trial averages.
How can sponsors contact FOMAT? Sponsors and CROs can reach FOMAT Medical Research at [email protected] or by visiting the contact page.