The utilization of emerging technologies in the design and implementation of clinical trials will enable organizations to reach a wider patient pool, thus reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
FREMONT, CA: The advancements in technology have created new opportunities for organizations to optimize clinical trials and augment the outcomes. Clinical trials have lagged behind other sectors in the adoption of emerging technology. The last decade has witnessed a rapid growth in digital technologies, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the internet of things (IoT), big data, predictive analytics, and so on, the integration of which can dramatically improve the efficiency and speed of clinical trial processes.
The need for robust technology in the pharmaceutical field has spurred solution providers to develop software systems designed to help clinicians plan, prepare, and manage vast amounts of clinical trial data. The growth of clinical trial management systems has been hampered by factors such as trial failures, lengthy approval times, and strict compliance regulations. However, the drug research and development scene in Europe is gaining momentum.
Europe is witnessing rising investments in clinical trial technology. It now stands second in the global market for clinical trial management system market. The rise in chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and so on, has increased the demand for better drugs and treatment. By incorporating emerging technologies, robust clinical management can be achieved.
The implementation of clinical trial regulations by the EU spurred significant changes in the pharmaceutical landscape, enhancing the assessment and supervision process. It led to the establishment of high standards for safety and transparency of trials. It has fostered more significant innovation and research, and at the same time, curtailed the duplication and repetition of trials.
However, the incorporation of new technology requires caution, especially in maintaining participant privacy and confidentiality. With careful planning, effective collaborations, and practical forethought, organizations can seamlessly navigate the challenges involved in implementing new technologies. It will also enable them to achieve a better understanding of various functionalities involved in technical innovation, utility limitations, and management of trust among patients, regulators, and healthcare partners.
The introduction of connected drug delivery devices and smart primary packaging has enhanced patient adherence, enabling organizations to maintain the accuracy of data when it comes to drug-related side effects and patient outcomes. The connected technology has enabled organizations to closely monitor the drug intake of patients.
Robust clinical trial management systems have enabled organizations to exchange information in real-time. The integration of IoT and cloud computing has led to the development of fully connected and digitized clinical trials. As the cost of IoT devices reduces, organizations can achieve higher levels of connectivity.
The adoption of connected devices, wearable sensors, and monitoring devices leveraged in the clinical trials will lead to the generation of vast troves of data. By using robust data analytics platforms, organizations can consolidate diverse data and analyze it to generate relevant insights.
AI will also play a significant role in bringing greater agility, transparency, and accuracy into the clinical trials. It will potentially automate the conduction of clinical trials and reduce the intervention of clinical staff, thus leading to the generation of more precise outcomes. It will also make it possible to monitor the patients from their home, eliminating the need for them to visit the clinical centers.
Pharmaceutical organizations are increasingly integrating innovating technologies in their clinical trial management processes to enhance patient engagement and reduce failures. Drug research and development companies can leverage the capabilities of the emerging technologies in data collection, recruitment, retention, intervention delivery, and dissemination, while also maintaining compliance with the regulations.