Clinical Research: What to Expect in 2024

Clinical Research: What to Expect in 2024

Clinical research is a critical component of healthcare, driving innovation and improving patient care. Looking ahead to 2024, the industry will continue to advance and expand rapidly. Technology integration is expected to be leveraged in conducting and interpreting clinical studies.

As a CRO committed to advancing care through operational excellence and innovation, Atlantic Research Group (ARG) remains engaged with the future of clinical research to discover and implement effective methods for improving global health.

WHAT IS CLINICAL RESEARCH

Clinical research is a scientific investigation that studies the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, devices, or interventions for diseases and conditions. The process is systematic and robust, involving various testing phases including preclinical laboratory studies and clinical trials involving human participants. In clinical trials, each phase has specific objectives and criteria for success. The goal is to gather evidence and knowledge to support the new treatment, device, or intervention, and if proven safe and effective, to approve it for patient care.

CLINICAL RESEARCH PREDICTIONS AND TRENDS FOR 2024

The clinical research industry promises expansive and innovative trends. There are many possible inclusions expected, including:

• Learning more about how best to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to drive innovation and efficiency: Moving into the new year, evaluating processes that will benefit from emerging generative AI and ML will become crucial when it comes to collaboration with stakeholders. Identifying technological limitations and ensuring secure and private platforms where work can take place is a necessity. Despite what may be reported in the media, generative AI is not a silver bullet technology that will solve all of our industry's problems. This year will be a learning year focused on safety, effectiveness, and collaboration.
• The integration of real-world data and evidence into clinical research: Data from electronic health records, insurance claims, and patient-reported outcomes may be considered along with what’s learned in the clinical trial. By incorporating real-world data, clinical research can become more efficient, cost-effective, and representative of real-world scenarios.
• A patient-centric approach in clinical research: Patient perspectives and preferences are becoming more and more important in study design, outcome selection, and treatment decisions. Clinical trials are increasingly tailored to measure patient-centered outcomes rather than solely relying on traditional endpoints like disease progression or mortality.
• A rise of decentralized clinical trials (DCTs): Allowing patients to participate from remote locations, such as their homes or local clinics eliminates the need for patients to travel to centralized research sites. This improves accessibility for individuals residing in rural or underserved areas, as well as those with limited mobility. DCTs significantly lower the financial burden associated with traditional clinical trials and enable sponsors to recruit a more diverse patient population. This broader representation enhances the research findings and ensures that therapies are effective for a wider range of patients.
• Efforts to increase sustainability and environmental consciousness: Pharmaceutical and biotech companies are adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and using eco-friendly materials. This commitment to sustainability reflects the industry's responsibility towards protecting the environment and ensuring the long-term viability of clinical research.

THE FUTURE OF CLINICAL RESEARCH

Clinical research is essential for advancing medical science and improving public health. It helps to ensure that new treatments are safe and effective before making them available to the public. From the integration of artificial intelligence to the rise of decentralized trials and the growing importance of patient engagement, these trends are shaping the future of clinical research.

Contract research organizations (CROs) provide outsourced clinical research services so pharmaceutical and biotech companies can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and access specialized expertise. Sponsors who partner with ARG remain at the forefront of innovation in this industry. We work together to achieve the shared goal of making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients worldwide.