ACT Brief: AI Enables Real-Time Trial Oversight, Provider Engagement Strengthens Recruitment, and HHS Leadership Restructures Operations

This is the Applied Clinical Trials Brief—your fast track to the latest insights shaping clinical operations and drug development.

• In Part 2 of a video interview with ACT, Angela Zubel of Debiopharm said AI and digital tools are enabling real-time monitoring, faster site selection, and more efficient resource allocation across clinical trials. She noted that continuous data review can help sponsors identify non-performing sites sooner and redirect resources to improve enrollment efficiency. Zubel added that reducing delays tied to underperforming sites could significantly lower costs and accelerate timelines.
• A new peer-reviewed analysis of the Diuretic Comparison Project within the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that nearly 70% of invited primary care providers agreed to participate, supporting enrollment and randomization workflows. More than 13,500 patients were successfully randomized, representing 82% of those who consented to the study. The findings also showed that low-burden integration with routine care and clear provider communication helped sustain engagement throughout the trial.
• Leadership changes at the US Department of Health and Human Services have elevated CMS official Chris Klomp to oversee department operations while continuing his Medicare leadership roles. The restructuring is intended to strengthen coordination across agencies and support policy priorities, including drug pricing reforms and regulatory initiatives. Officials said the changes also reflect growing federal focus on healthcare affordability and operational oversight.

That’s all for today’s ACT Brief. Join us tomorrow for more updates shaping clinical operations and drug development. Thanks for listening.