Clinical research organizations (CROs) need efficient and effective procedures and practices that enable them to carry out their tasks to the best of their ability. In this manner, technology can play a significant role in making their operations more efficient. Using technology for recruitment, telemedicine, data management, and other applications can help reduce the barriers between clinical trials and their patients and even create a competitive advantage over smaller organizations.
Impact of CROs on the drug development process
The association of clinical research organizations plays a vital role in drug development. They provide expertise and technical resources to drug developers. They also help customers navigate the competitive landscape. Today, there are more than a thousand CROs in the world. Some specialize in particular disease areas, while others offer unique technology solutions. However, a few fundamental principles must be followed to ensure the success of a CRO partnership. The critical goal of drug development is to develop a safe, effective, and efficient treatment. This requires a full clinical trial. In addition, a new approach to trial design can reduce the number of patients needed to test an investigational treatment. A holistic drug development strategy can help accelerate drug development timelines by 500 days. It can also improve patient experience and compliance. Using a digital approach can simplify the drug development process and reduce costs. Developing a data infrastructure is a critical step in this process.
Ultimately, a holistic approach can accelerate the drug development process by 25 percent. Companies can also discover insights from their data. These insights may indicate a different safety profile or potential new indications for a compound.
Drug development has become more complex over the past forty years. The technology landscape has also expanded and changed. Many pharmaceutical companies have incorporated digital technology into their operations. But, the industry still needs to grapple with how to capture patient input.
There are many reasons why pharmaceutical companies outsource clinical research to a CRO. Cost savings, geographic reach, and therapeutic expertise are just a few. Choosing the right partner to handle the trial is essential. CROs should be able to deliver speed, high-quality data and services. Moreover, sponsors should develop a clear governance structure and performance indicators. Having these things in place can help the sponsor meet its clinical goals. Another advantage of working with a CRO is access to unique insights. These insights are invaluable for drug developers. For example, a different response to treatment in specific patient subgroups can suggest a potential new indication. Additionally, insights can offer a different safety profile, reducing the chance of a medication failing a trial.
Enrolment efficiency
One of the clinical research’s oldest and most complex tasks is determining eligibility. Narrow eligibility criteria can hamper the efforts of qualified individuals. Using AI-driven cybersecurity to prevent unauthorized access to participant health records and data may be a good start, especially in light of the growing number of clinical trials conducted in the United States. In this respect, the burgeoning market for clinical trial management solutions is worth watching. Big Tech and startups are actively developing and testing their wares among the numerous players.
Several reasons a participant might need to be more enthused about participating in a clinical trial. In particular, a patient’s perceived risk of side effects is a big concern. Fasting may also harm adherence to treatment, for example. Thus, a study evaluating the results of an AI-powered adherence monitoring system is a worthy endeavor. As for the survey itself, the requisite data was gathered from dozens of trials spanning five years and involving thousands of patients. The participants were located nationwide, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of best practices and successes.
Enrolling suitable candidates on time is optional. Studies have shown that more than 80% of trials fail to achieve enrollment goals. On the flip side, the efficiencies of scale are often maximized when sites are partnered with each other. However, these partnerships are usually mutually exclusive. Moreover, it’s a challenge to coordinate the logistics required to run a large-scale, multi-site trial. So, the key is to minimize the risks while at the same time maximizing the benefits. Ultimately, this involves balancing cost, time, and resources, which is why many organizations opt for a hybrid model.
Technologies to speed study execution
In today’s world, e-technologies are an integral adjunct to clinical trial practices. They help us keep track of a large volume of data, deliver more efficacious treatments, and facilitate communication with patients. While these technologies can also help increase the efficiency of our efforts, there are some risks. These include the cost of using them and privacy and other regulatory concerns. Luckily, many tools and resources help you do your e-technologies work for you. While e-technologies can be challenging to implement, they can be beneficial adjuncts to clinical trial practices. Their ability to expedite the development and implementation of protocols, improve communications with patients, and reduce staff hours and expenses can help you get your project off the ground faster.
Using e-technologies to implement and manage a study is also an effective way to recruit patients. Aside from making it easier to find qualified participants, e-technologies can boost retention by increasing the number of active participants in the study. And as a bonus, these technologies can reduce the trial cost. This may be especially important for more extensive trials, where a slight drop in the bucket can result in significant savings. As with any new technology, the best approach to implementing e-technology in your study is to consult a knowledgeable team of experts. They should include experts in the fields of business, engineering, and data science.
