The Healthcare Sector’s Increased Demand for Clinical Innovation: Q&A With Peyton Howell, Chief Operating and Growth Officer, Parexel

Peyton Howell, Chief Operating and Growth Officer, Parexel

At the 42nd annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference which was recently held January 8-11, 2024, Parexel and Goldman Sachs leaders convened for a private panel titled, "Decoding Health Care's Future Investment, Clinical Research and Regulatory Dynamics." The panel addressed a number of important topics in the healthcare sector including clinical innovation and technology. In this exclusive Q&A with Applied Clinical Trials, Peyton Howell, Chief Operating and Growth Officer, Parexel shares some of the most important insights from the panel and addresses where the clinical trials industry currently is with innovation.

Applied Clinical Trials: What do you think were some of biggest takeaways from the "Decoding Health Care's Future Investment, Clinical Research and Regulatory Dynamics" panel at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference?

Peyton Howell: First and foremost, the tone was distinctly more positive about the opportunity for drug development and clinical research. As the clinical trial landscape evolves, industry experts are optimistic about the role of advanced technologies in transforming research methodologies. Our panelists were keen to discuss the increasing integration of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and robotic process automation and their potential to enhance various mechanistic aspects of trials, including safety monitoring, pharmacovigilance, data management, and statistical analysis.

Despite facing economic headwinds, our panelists also pointed to a revival in sector investment, particularly favoring late-stage companies on the cusp of commercialization in key therapeutic areas. The critical role of healthcare in the gross domestic product (GDP) was emphasized, alongside the economic and patient health benefits driven by novel therapies. Merger and acquisition activities—notably within cardiovascular and neuroscience domains—emerged as significant industry trends.

Finally, the panel emphasized the need for regulatory and market access considerations in all stages of drug development and the promising cross-pollination of immunology across different therapeutic areas, signaling an exciting time for healthcare innovation.

ACT: Why is the healthcare sector seeing an increased demand for clinical innovation? How can stakeholders in the clinical trials industry best respond to this demand?

Howell: We’re witnessing a significant surge in demand for innovation in the clinical trials sector, driven by the intricacies of the contemporary healthcare ecosystem and the advent of next-generation therapeutics. Advances in AI and ML are at the forefront of this transformation, propelling the industry toward more expedient and efficient drug market introductions with an acute focus on enhancing patient outcomes.

The industry faces hurdles, however, such as patient enrollment challenges exacerbated by geopolitical factors, underscoring the necessity for improved data utilization, strategic investigator engagement, and patient-led trial designs. To address these demands, industry stakeholders are encouraged to adopt emerging technologies to refine trial processes, collaborate more closely with health systems and regulatory bodies, and prioritize patient involvement in drug development. By revising trial protocols to ensure scientific robustness and participant appeal, the industry can pave the way for novel therapeutics and ensure clinical trials are effective, efficient, and designed around patients’ needs.

ACT: As we continue to move forward with technology, how important is it that the clinical trials industry keep pace?

Howell: It's critical for the clinical trials industry to evolve with technological advancements. The integration of enhanced tools and data analytics is crucial for refining drug development processes, reducing costs and surmounting patient enrollment challenges. By adopting these advancements, the industry can restructure trial protocols to appeal more to investigators and patients, thereby accelerating the pace of clinical trials.

It’s also important to consider how investment community dynamics and regulatory agency influences play a pivotal role in steering innovation within the clinical trials sector. As investment patterns shift, fostering partnerships and alliances becomes increasingly important for driving innovation and translating it into tangible patient care advancements. We must remain nimble in response to the changing regulatory landscape, as evidenced by new legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Staying agile and weaving regulatory considerations into each stage of drug development is vital for maintaining compliance and focusing on strategic programs.

ACT: While there are some challenges, leaders seem optimistic about the future of the biotech industry. What should be top of mind for industry professionals as we move forward into this new year?

Howell: As we move ahead in 2024, healthcare professionals should prioritize clinical innovation, developing plans to manage complex regulatory dynamics and ultimately, focus on what matters most—the patient. The push for rapid and efficient clinical trials is more critical now than ever, with a clear need to adopt strategies that address current patient enrollment and retention challenges. Regulatory dynamics and government involvement—especially with the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—are poised to reshape drug development priorities and commercial strategies. And above all, a patient-led approach in clinical trials is paramount. The industry must engage patients and their care partners in the development process and design trials that resonate with their experiences and expectations. This focus on patient involvement is not only ethical but also strategic, ensuring that the end products of these trials are well-received and adopted in the market.