PSI, INC, Chiltern take top site ratings

Investigators report their working relationships with CROs have become more effective during the past two years, according to a new CenterWatch survey, and nearly half said overall CRO performance, for the first time, matches that of sponsor companies. As sponsors increasingly implement integrated and strategic partnerships that give CROs more autonomy in managing trials, the survey found that the average CRO has improved its ability to oversee sites and support study conduct in each of the six project categories measured. In addition, performance gaps have narrowed, compared to 2013, across attributes investigators consider most important for study success.In the 2017 CenterWatch Global Investigative Site Survey, five CROs came out on top: PSI CRO, INC Research, Chiltern, QuintilesIMS and Parexel. Two additional CROs—Icon and PPD—also received high marks from investigative sites for overall relationship quality. PSI CRO, INC Research and Chiltern were also the top-three ranking organizations in the 2015 survey.

Millennials accelerate seismic shift in clinical operations

As the largest age demographic in the U.S., Millennials are dramatically reshaping the clinical research industry. Millennials have high expectations about technology, convenience and data transparency—traits that are catalyzing a trend toward decentralization and prompting industry leaders to carve out new roles in clinical trial management. “I think the most dramatic characteristic of the Millennial demographic is their willingness to embrace tech,” said David Blume, managing director, Edgemont Capital. Wearable technology, remote patient engagement tools and mobile apps are already emerging as major themes in clinical research, and shifting demographics will dramatically accelerate adoption, he added.

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