Your Partner in Research, Strategy, and Compliance
Triligent International is a research consulting organization (RCO) specializing in regulatory strategy, clinical operations, quality assurance, Investor and VC Support. Since 1993, we have guided sponsors, investors, and research teams through the complexities of drug and device development with rigor, precision, and trust.
Don Ashbrook, PhD
Founder & CEO
Don Ashbrook brings over 45 years of global experience in clinical research, regulatory affairs, biometrics, and quality assurance. His career spans the development, registration, and approval of pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices, with particular expertise in clinical site and vendor oversight, auditing, and regulatory compliance across multiple therapeutic areas. He has trained sponsors, investigators, and regulatory agencies worldwide in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and quality systems, and continues to guide organizations in strategic planning, project recovery, and quality-driven research execution.
Outside of his professional work, Don is an avid adventure photographer, capturing landscapes and moments from his global travels. Don's photography can be viewed at donashbrook.smugmug.com.
“ I believe clinical research is about more than compliance—it’s about trust, collaboration, and making a meaningful difference for patients”.
Nina A. Cantafio
President & COO
Nina Cantafio is a clinical research leader with over 25 years of experience spanning academic, non-profit, industry, and consulting roles . She has directed clinical operations for industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated, trials across oncology, hepatology, infectious disease, and rare diseases, with expertise from protocol development through study closeout. At Triligent, Nina drives the organization’s strategic vision, overseeing clinical trial management, regulatory compliance, and data-driven solutions for biopharma, medical device, academic, and healthcare partners. She is recognized for her ability to build collaborations, recover at-risk projects, and guide research teams through complex regulatory landscapes. Committed to mentoring the next generation of clinical researchers, she lectures regularly on careers in science and clinical research. Beyond her professional work, she is a dedicated patient advocate and active supporter of community health and education initiatives.
"I joined Triligent more than 18 years ago after first working with the team on a rescue project. What stood out then—and still defines us today—is our commitment to true partnership with sponsors, investigators, and research teams to advance science that meaningfully impacts patients’ lives".
Alex W. Cantafio
MD, FACS Medical Director, Triligent International​
Dr. Alex W. Cantafio is the Medical Director of Triligent International, where he leads clinical and scientific strategy across a broad portfolio of research initiatives. A board-certified abdominal transplant and HPB surgeon, he brings over 20 years of experience in academic medicine, clinical trial leadership, and outcomes-based research.
Before entering academic transplant surgery, Dr. Cantafio began his career as a research coordinator supporting clinical trials in acute liver failure—including pivotal studies involving the ELAD (Extracorporeal Liver Assist Device). This firsthand experience with critically ill patients and the role of investigational therapies in bridging them to transplant care profoundly shaped his decision to pursue a career in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and transplantation.
At Triligent, he supports protocol development, investigator collaboration, and publication planning—bridging clinical insight with operational execution to deliver research that is both scientifically rigorous and clinically meaningful.
“I started on the ground floor of research—as a coordinator walking patients through complicated clinical trials. That experience still shapes how I design and evaluate studies today: through the lens of what’s real, what’s safe, and what actually helps patients.”
