SCRS Talks: Connecting Patients, Sites, and Sponsors to Improve Clinical Trials

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This video explores the pressing challenges faced by patients, research sites, and sponsors in clinical trials, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bree Burks from Veeva Systems highlights the industry's struggle with disparate systems and processes that limit data sharing and collaboration, leading to increased patient burden, financial instability for sites, and inefficiencies in drug development for sponsors. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for a more connected and patient-centric approach, advocating for technology that empowers rather than replaces research sites. Veeva's strategy to build a unified platform for the entire clinical trial ecosystem, including dedicated solutions for sites and patients, is presented as a key opportunity for improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• Fragmented Clinical Trial Ecosystem: The industry suffers from a lack of technological connectivity and data sharing between patients, research sites, and sponsors, leading to significant operational inefficiencies and increased burden across all stakeholders.
• Shift to Patient-Centricity and Site Empowerment: There's an urgent need to design clinical trials with patient experience in mind and to empower research sites with integrated technology solutions, moving away from the concept of "site-less trials" towards "technology-empowered sites."
• Platform Approach to Technology: Research sites should strategically evaluate technology partners that offer a unified, integrated platform rather than managing numerous disparate point solutions, which often leads to costly and complex integration challenges.
• Veeva's Expanding Clinical Trial Ecosystem: Veeva is actively expanding its offerings beyond sponsors and CROs to include purpose-built, seamlessly integrated technology for research sites and patients, aiming to create a comprehensive, connected platform for the entire clinical trial lifecycle.
• Regulatory Compliance as a Core Feature: Technology solutions for clinical trials must inherently address stringent regulatory requirements, with providers like Veeva explicitly offering 21 CFR Part 11 compliant tools to streamline operations while ensuring adherence.
• Strategic Technology Partnership for Sites: Sites are advised to seek long-term technology partners that understand their complex needs, align with their vision, and can provide evolving, integrated solutions, rather than focusing solely on current features.