ACT Brief Weekly Recap: Data Innovation, Cybersecurity, and Contracting Bottlenecks in Clinical Trials

This is the Applied Clinical Trials Brief—your fast track to the latest insights in clinical research operations. In under three minutes, we’ll recap top stories, highlight expert perspectives, and keep you current on what’s moving the industry. Let’s get into it.

On this episode, we’re spotlighting three of the most-read stories from the past week.

First, a feature on reimagining clinical data explored why digital-first platforms and AI-powered insights are critical for the future of drug development. Despite years of digital transformation, many processes remain fragmented and manual, slowing timelines and inflating costs. The piece calls for interoperable systems, real-time data environments, and a global push to modernize the clinical data value chain—creating a smarter, more connected ecosystem that serves both science and patients.

Our second story examines cybersecurity in service provider selection and qualification. As clinical research becomes more digital, third-party vendors are a growing vulnerability, with nearly every organization exposed to breaches through partners. The article emphasizes that cybersecurity must be integrated into CRO qualification from the start, with formal assessments, certifications, and continuous audits to safeguard trial integrity and protect sensitive data.

And finally, a new video interview focused on how contracting bottlenecks continue to delay clinical trials. Nearly half of study delays are linked to budgeting and contracting hurdles, particularly during site onboarding. Technology such as AI-driven contract lifecycle management can help cut cycle times by a third, reduce costly amendments, and even shorten trials by up to six months. With major research centers choosing which trials to prioritize, simplifying the contracting process is becoming a key differentiator for sponsors.

That’s all for this week’s recap. For more on these stories and other developments in clinical research, visit us at appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com. Thanks for listening to the Applied Clinical Trials Brief.