ACT Brief: Site Data Quality Takes Priority, Merck Expands AI Discovery Efforts, and Gilead Advances Cell Therapy Strategy

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

• In Part 1 of a new video interview series, Jonathan Andrus, co-CEO of CRIO, pointed to a growing shift toward site-based technologies as a defining operational trend for 2026. The focus is increasingly on capturing high-quality, compliant data at the point of care, as sponsors look to reduce downstream risk and enable more advanced analytics across the trial lifecycle.
• Merck and Mayo Clinic have launched a new collaboration aimed at applying AI and advanced analytics to drug discovery and precision medicine. By combining Merck’s research capabilities with Mayo Clinic’s multimodal data platform, the partnership is designed to improve target identification and support earlier, more informed decision-making across development.
• Gilead Sciences is deepening its push into oncology with a $7.8 billion acquisition of Arcellx, centered on an investigational BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The therapy has demonstrated durable responses in clinical studies to date and is currently under FDA review, with a decision expected in late 2026 as the company looks to expand treatment options for heavily pretreated patients.

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