Clinical Operations & Strategy

Capturing insights from clinical research professionals on the key trends and challenges shaping drug development today, from those in clinical trial operations and site relationships, to technology and AI, and the evolving regulatory and policy terrain.

Ways to identify false certainty, or "errogance," during the clinical site start-up-to-launch process—and better ensure site readiness and prevention of costly errors.

In this episode of the ACT Podcast, we highlight a recent Q&A featuring Ibrahim Kamstrup-Akkaoui, vice president of data systems innovation at Novo Nordisk; and a feature article by Chris Driver, senior director of product management, Patient Suite at IQVIA, in which they both highlight how sponsors are adopting automation to streamline operations.

A new systems-based framework helps sponsors and CROs move beyond prediction to understand why site selection succeeds or fails, enabling targeted interventions that boost recruitment, data quality, and trial efficiency.

Craig Lipset, co-chair, Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA), and Kyle McAllister, co-founder, CEO, Trially, discuss how research sites are navigating political funding pressures, adapting to NIH budget constraints, and leveraging new cost-containment strategies to sustain clinical research.

In this video interview, Caroline Potts, general manager of sites and patient services at Medical Research Network (MRN), highlights how listening to site insights and adopting flexible models such as temporary community-based clinics, can reduce patient travel burdens, improve enrollment efficiency, and stretch trial budgets further.

An overview of how recent funding reductions are reshaping clinical trial operations, from site sustainability and patient recruitment to trial design and long-term strategy.

In this video interview, Caroline Potts, general manager of sites and patient services at Medical Research Network (MRN), outlines how rigid budgeting and limited sponsor-site dialog often block innovative patient-centric solutions, stressing the need for more collaborative approaches to enable community engagement and flexible trial delivery.

In this video interview, Caroline Potts, general manager of sites and patient services at Medical Research Network (MRN), explains why site-enabled approaches such as in-home visits and community-based outreach should be offered from the start of a trial to reduce recruitment delays, support patient needs, and improve trial diversity.

In this video interview, Caroline Potts, general manager of sites and patient services at Medical Research Network (MRN), discusses the challenges of achieving true operational flexibility in clinical trials—highlighting how SOPs, staffing, and budget constraints often limit site adaptability and contribute to staff burnout.

A 2025 survey highlights growing momentum for multi-indication drug development, with opportunities in innovative trial design, targeted patient selection, and real-world evidence to speed label expansion.

In this video interview, Meri Beckwith, Co-CEO of Lindus Health, shares practical ways clinical teams can strengthen trial protocols for expedited programs—such as incorporating control groups where possible, leveraging synthetic and real-world data, and adopting adaptive trial designs to reduce regulatory risk.

Ron Lanton, partner, Lanton Law, explains why evolving federal guidance and new technologies are pushing clinical operations teams to strengthen oversight and safeguard the credibility of clinical research.

In this Q&A, Rohit Nambisan, CEO of Lokavant, and Jonathan Crowther, head of predictive analytics, Pfizer, explore how AI is transforming study feasibility, regulatory review, and trial execution.

In this video interview, Meri Beckwith, Co-CEO of Lindus Health, discusses whether recent trial design rejections signal a broader shift in FDA expectations or simply reflect changes in individual reviewers, emphasizing that current unpredictability may be more situational than systemic.

In this video interview, Meri Beckwith, Co-CEO of Lindus Health, explains why sponsors pursuing breakthrough or priority review designations must maintain rigorous trial design while building organizational agility.

In this video interview, Meri Beckwith, Co-CEO of Lindus Health, discusses recent Complete Response Letters issued to Replimune and Capricor, explaining how shifts in FDA reviewers can affect single-arm trial acceptance, especially in oncology settings where control groups may be deemed unethical.

A unified technology approach improves study efficiency and data collection.

In this video interview, Luke Wilson, senior director, biotech, pharma services at Thermo Fisher Scientific, shares key strategies for maintaining operational alignment and compliance in decentralized trials including unified data platforms, aligned SOPs, and clear governance and escalation pathways between sponsors and supply chain partners.

In this video interview, Luke Wilson, senior director, biotech, pharma services at Thermo Fisher Scientific, outlines the key barriers to real-time oversight in clinical trials and explains how integrated systems, built-in analytics, and live dashboards can empower clinops leaders to make faster, better-informed decisions.

As clinical trials become more complex, success depends on early collaboration, thoughtful protocol design, and practical strategies to manage risk, reduce delays, and support patients.

In this video interview, Luke Wilson, senior director, biotech, pharma services at Thermo Fisher Scientific, explains how clinical operations teams can use remote monitoring and connected technologies to reduce site burden, respond faster to emerging data, and improve both patient safety and trial outcomes.

Clinical trial failure insurance is turning biotech’s most costly risk into a manageable asset, opening new pathways for funding and innovation.

In this video interview, Michael Miller, chief operating officer at Quanterix, discusses how biopharma companies—especially smaller biotechs—can leverage platform trials and biomarker-driven accelerated approvals to remain efficient and competitive amid shifting public-private funding dynamics.

In this video interview, Michael Miller, chief operating officer at Quanterix, outlines key technical and regulatory considerations for clinical operations professionals integrating biomarkers into studies, stressing the importance of clarity on biomarker purpose and working with qualified assay partners.