Phesi Inc. and Accenture have released the first of a series of reports exploring the use of synthetic data in clinical development. In recent years, the volume of data created through clinical trials and electronic patient records has increased exponentially, as well as the ability to process and analyze these data. The report outlines several advantages of synthetic data.
The report outlines two cases where use of synthetic data made significant improvements to the trial process: oncology and gastroenterology. In oncology, trials are often extremely costly and time-intensive; a study has recently shown that without a synthetic control arm, the median R&D cost for oncology drugs is $2.77 billion, which is driven by the high failure rate of up to 80%. Recruiting patients in a timely manner is also a challenge in oncology, resulting in a lag in getting treatments to market. The use of synthetic data can help to overcome these challenges by reducing patient numbers and eliminating placebos, helping to speed up the process. In ulcerative colitis, synthetic patient data can be used to synthesize baseline patient characteristics to optimize the protocol design and to again reduce patient numbers and exposure to a comparator.
For more of the report’s findings, click here.
Improving Relationships and Diversifying the Site Selection Process
April 17th 2025In this episode of the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast, Liz Beatty, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Inato, discusses a number of topics around site engagement including community-based sites, the role of technology in improving site/sponsor relationships, how increased operational costs are impacting the industry, and more.
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.