Medidata Publishes Research Report About the Future of Clinical Trials

Report reveals new insights on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the power of technology and the importance of patient centricity

Life science industry leaders across Europe are optimistic about the use of new technologies and the future of decentralized clinical trials (DCTs)

London, United Kingdom, September 8, 2022 – Medidata, a Dassault Systèmes company, announces today the publication of a report titled, ‘European Industry Research Report: The Future of Clinical Trials’. The report draws on new independent research that includes insights from 400 clinical trial executives across the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Switzerland. They were surveyed to gain a deeper understanding of how clinical trials have changed over the past two years, including the increased adoption of new technologies, and what the future holds. This report is part of ongoing efforts at Medidata to understand the evolution of technology usage in clinical research and the needs of sponsors, partners and patients.

When the pandemic struck, it brought a plethora of challenges for clinical trials and, as a result, companies and sites conducting clinical trials were forced to look at leveraging technology wherever possible to support the continuation of research. With these learnings, the industry is now emerging stronger than ever with a more technology-driven approach that will benefit the industry and, more importantly, the patients it depends on.

Key findings from the research include:

• Clinical trial processes have changed - and for the better. Organizations had to adapt quickly to continue their operations as the pandemic spread. These changes have improved clinical trials.
• More than a third of respondents (37%) rank better outcomes of clinical trials since the pandemic as within the top three areas of improvement, and 36% say recruitment and enrollment into trials were also better, as well as better patient experiences.
• 99.7% of respondents believe that all or some or some improvements to the clinical trial process as a result of the pandemic are here to stay.

• Demand for decentralized solutions continues to rise. Decentralization and patient-centric practices have been core elements of change and organizations anticipate these solutions will become increasingly widespread.
• Respondents note that the average number of studies including at least one decentralized technology before the pandemic was 43%, the current average is 55% and the predicted average in five years is 66%.
• The critical benefits of leveraging a DCT approach include better compliance and governance adherence (42%), improved patient recruitment and retention (41%), and improved patient experience and engagement (41%).

• Clinical trials will become more reliant on technological solutions. From big data and growing computer power to wearable technology and artificial intelligence (AI), organizations are adopting new innovative tools and solutions – and they are here to stay.
• 92% of those surveyed say clinical trials in their country always or frequently rely on technology.
• When asked what technology holds the most promise in the future of clinical research, more than a third of respondents (36%) point to AI as one of the top three choices.

• Patient centricity continues to be a key focus. Patients are central to clinical research and there is greater recognition that trials need to be designed around them.
• The majority of respondents (92%) believe clinical trials are more patient-centric than ever following the pandemic.
• When asked about the key industry trends over the next five years, patient centricity came out on top, with 42% of respondents ranking this area within the top three key trends.

“Our new research shows the resilience of the industry, how it implemented its learnings from the pandemic and how it is embracing technology for the benefit of patients,” said Pete Buckman, EMEA Site Leader and Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Medidata. “At Medidata, we have seen real change in the way clinical trials are approached and we are excited to see even more innovation and progress. By continuing to challenge current models, investing in new technologies and collaborating across all stakeholders, the industry can further improve clinical trial processes and, in turn, the outcomes. The future of clinical trials and drug development looks bright.”

The research was compiled by independent research firm Vanson Bourne and sponsored by Medidata. Download the research report here and the accompanying infographic here.

About Medidata

Medidata is leading the digital transformation of life sciences, creating hope for millions of patients. Medidata helps generate the evidence and insights to help pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and diagnostics companies, and academic researchers accelerate value, minimize risk, and optimize outcomes. More than one million registered users across 2,000+ customers and partners access the world's most trusted platform for clinical development, commercial, and real-world data. Medidata, a Dassault Systèmes company (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA), is headquartered in New York City and has offices around the world to meet the needs of its customers. Discover more at www.medidata.com and follow us @Medidata.

About Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative 3D virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers push the boundaries of innovation, learning and production. Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 300,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com.

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About Vanson Bourne

Vanson Bourne is an independent specialist in market research for the technology sector. Their reputation for robust and credible research-based analysis is founded upon rigorous research principles and their ability to seek the opinions of senior decision makers across technical and business functions, in all business sectors, and all major markets. For more information, visit www.vansonbourne.com.