CRO investments and innovation helped during COVID-19 says study

CROs weathered the disruption during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic relatively unscathed according to a study suggesting technology investment and flexibility were key.

The research – published in the current edition of the journal Value Health – examined both the short and long term impact the coronavirus pandemic had on the trial research services sector and found that, in general, clinical research organizations (CROs) coped well because they were able to adapt.

According to the authors “the results evidenced that COVID-19 had significant impacts on CR activities.
“77% of respondents adapted their internal organization, adopting home-based work, the most frequently reported negative outcomes were a slowdown in recruitment in CTs and the postponement of on-site monitoring visits.”

Use of site-free clinical trials also increased during the pandemic with many companies opting to tweak studies as needed the authors wrote, adding “Approximately 61% set up remote visits and extended trial duration.”

The survey also confirmed that the pandemic prompted many contractors to use innovative technologies and adhered to evolving regulatory measures to ensure trials could continue with minimal disruption.
“69% implemented new digital tools and 77% implemented the “Guidelines on the Management of Trials during the Pandemic" released by the EMA.

The authors also suggest that, although many CROs were involved in developing COVID-19 vaccines and counter measures, the amount of work conducted by each organization was relatively limited.

“65% have been involved in COVID-19 CTs with, on average, at least two CTs fully dedicated to COVID-19. However, COVID-19 CTs represent less than 10% of respondents’ activities."

Future

The authors concluded that the characteristics that allowed CROs to continue operations during the pandemic would help them cater for evolving future drug industry demands.

“Investments in new technologies and processes have allowed CROs to adapt positively and quickly. This will enable them to deliver greater value to sponsors in a post-pandemic environment.”

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