The present study documents the results of a 17-month program to train Cardinal Health Pharmaceutical Technology Services (PTS) employees in an innovative model that combines investigative and writing techniques. Designed to address the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the program is a unique industry-university collaboration that was offered in an asynchronous, distance-learning format. Empirical measures included an emphasis on tenacity, endurance, and both indirect and direct assessment of participant investigation reports. The 55 participants who completed the courses administered both within and beyond the continental United States reported high levels of satisfaction and achieved high levels of performance. The high withdrawal and incomplete rate--46.6%--nevertheless suggests that locally-based efforts at community building must be in place if asynchronous training is to be effective for the majority of participants. (Contains 7 figures and 7 tables.)