In 2020, COVID-19 and the associated lockdowns had a huge impact on how clinical trials were being run across the world. One result of that was a rapid increase in the adoption of decentralized or hybrid trials. Indeed, our 2020 study showed that 79% of the industry said COVID-19 has increased their use of decentralized or hybrid trials, and 84% say it is 'likely' or 'certain' that their company will increase adoption in the next two years. The impact of the pandemic on clinical trials worldwide has offered an unparalleled opportunity for industry defining change.
In this edition of the Clinical Trials eBook Series, we explore the rapidly increasing adoption of decentralized clinical trials, the challenges that still need to be overcome and how it provides a chance for faster studies with better data and a very real improvement in patient-centricity.
One indicator of the energy behind decentralized adoption, is shown by the fact that the recently created Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance has already reached 100 members since launching in December. Co-chair Craig Lipset explained to us why decentralized trials are so essential to the future of the industry:
"Decentralized studies move our trials outside of our ivory tower research institutions and help expand places where data is being captured. Coming out of 2020, some will look at decentralized research as an important risk mitigation strategy because of the unpredictability of our environment.
Certainly in the Spring and Summer of 2020 there was a scramble to adopt many of these approaches simply for trial continuity because trials were at risk. And now we are starting to see commitments come in place - dedicated resources, teams being formed - that I think has been a very promising sign for sustaining change.
What I hear from members, and particularly in pharma, is a tremendous sense of urgency to leverage the momentum for change that is here with us today to establish commitments to decentralized trials.”
Jump to any article on the following page, or at any time using the Contents menu in the top left. There you can also download this eBook as a PDF.
A video panel of leading industry experts, led by Maria Kuthning, discussing the interaction between all stakeholders on decentralized trails, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
An interview with Craig Lipset to discuss the associations and more broadly the implementation of decentralized and hybrid trials during COVID-19 and beyond.
Megan Liles discusses patient-centricity, the progress we have made but how we need to do more going forward into a post-COVID era.
Kai Langel, Director of Clinical Innovation at Janssen, answers your questions on digital measurements
