ACT Brief: Real-World Data Connectivity Expands, AI Supports Smarter Data Capture, and Diversity Strategies Refocus at SCOPE

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

• Thermo Fisher Scientific has entered a strategic collaboration with Datavant to expand privacy-preserving real-world data interoperability across clinical research programs. Under the agreement, Thermo Fisher’s PPD clinical research business will integrate Datavant’s tokenization and data connectivity technology to enable secure linkage of de-identified patient-level datasets across trials, registries, and observational studies. The companies say the partnership is designed to support bespoke real-world evidence generation, improve recruitment strategies, and reduce operational friction across the research lifecycle.
• In a video interview at the 2026 SCOPE Summit, CRIO’s Mike Wenger said AI can play a meaningful role in data capture—but only when paired with clear risk assessment and human-in-the-loop oversight. He explained that while straightforward API-based data pipelines between site and sponsor systems carry minimal risk, AI can add value once those connections are established by automating quality checks and identifying anomalies. Wenger also emphasized the continued importance of advancing EHR integration and eSource to improve ALCOA compliance, structured data capture, and remote monitoring capabilities.
• During a SCOPE panel on diversity in clinical trials, leaders from UCB, Takeda, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Merck stressed that meaningful progress requires deeper community engagement and operational flexibility. Panelists highlighted the need to move beyond digital outreach toward boots-on-the-ground engagement, invest in trial-naive sites, and tailor strategies to the unique needs of each community. Speakers also cautioned that fear of discussing diversity could stall progress, underscoring that scientific excellence depends on representative trial populations.

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