The Top 5 Innovations Shaping Clinical Trials Clinical Trial Technology Trends: in 2024

Decentralized trials, wearable devices, machine learning, and Risk-Based Quality Management.

Novel technologies are disrupting multiple sectors of industry, including drug development and healthcare. Innovations in several technological fields can confer huge benefits for clinical trial design and efficiency in several ways, and this article will discuss how technology is advancing the development of new treatments and interventions.

AI and Machine learning are becoming increasingly important in clinical trials, as they provide a way to analyze large amounts of data and make predictions about outcomes. From identifying potential trial participants to predicting patient responses to treatment, Machine Learning can help make clinical trials more efficient and effective. Additionally, these technologies can help automate routine tasks, freeing up time and resources that can be used to focus on other aspects of the trial. Some of the AI & ML applications in clinical trials include eProtocol Design, eCRF Design, Medical Coding, DB Creation, Data Analytics, CSR Automation, SDV, Site Selection, SDTM Mapping, RBM, Query Management and Chatbots.

Some of the key challenges faced by researchers include slow recruitment and retention of participants, compliance with regulations and rules, data management, and lack of participant diversity. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted clinical trials worldwide, bringing its own set of issues. Many trials were paused or terminated completely during the pandemic, which had a huge impact on the development of new clinical treatments.

To take advantage of these benefits, CROs and Pharma companies should consider partnering with technology companies that specialize in Machine Learning and developing or integrating Machine Learning algorithms into their clinical trials.

By using technologies like telemedicine, remote monitoring, and electronic consent, patients can participate in clinical trials from the comfort of their own homes, without the need for frequent visits to a physical trial site. This not only makes it easier for patients to participate in trials, but it also enables trials to be conducted more efficiently, with fewer missed visits and less time and money spent on travel and site visits.

2023 has brought major changes in the clinical research technology industry. As research sites face a backlogs in trials, they’re becoming more selective with which studies they take on. Additionally, these sites face capacity challenges that require technology automation to overcome. Pharmaceutical and biotech sponsors will need to win sites over by changing their outlook on their relationship with sites and providing technology that enables them.

We're entering an era where trial sites have more power than ever in the clinical research value chain, and trial sponsors will have to pivot their relationship with technology and sites in order to get their most promising new therapies through the research process. With this in mind, here are five trends for clinical research technology vendors to consider.

More power to technology to enhance the rate of drug approval, patient recruitment and simpler trial conduct activities.