Innovative Trials celebrates initiative success with industry peers at 2024 PMEA Awards

Innovative Trials celebrates initiative success with industry peers at 2024 PMEA Awards

Innovative Trials, a global clinical trial patient recruitment and retention company, has been recognised for its commitment to excellence and best practice at the 2024 PMEA industry awards last night (Thursday 21 November)

The company was a finalist in the Excellence in Collaboration and Partnerships category for its Retention Patch Program initiative. Created in partnership with US non-profit Oliver Patch Project and launched in February 2024, it creates an engaging and supportive experience for children and teenagers participating in paediatric clinical trials, boosting retention rates. 

Kate Shaw, CEO of Innovative Trials, said: “Having only launched the Retention Patch Program a matter of months ago, I’m incredibly proud of the difference it is already making to our clients. To have this recognized by our peers is a real achievement for the whole team. While we are naturally saddened that we didn’t win our category, I want to congratulate Roche who did, as well as all the other exceptional winners on the night.”

The Retention Patch Program enables paediatric clinical trial participants to collect a series of colourful and unique patches that can be ironed onto garments and worn like badges of honour. These patches are given out at set milestones during the study and only those who remain in the trial until the very end will collect them all. The initiative has attracted significant interest from several pharmaceutical companies and research organisations and is currently supporting 260 children and young people under the age of 18.

Judges commented on Innovative Trials’ entry in the Excellence in Collaboration and Partnerships category, saying: “Innovative Trials outlined a clear rationale for change. They clearly defined the current problem/situation and showed a clear understanding of the patient experience, drawing on experience in clinical trial recruitment. The plan was clearly set out to address the situation, using patches to drive retention, in partnership with [Oliver Patch Project]. It had strong goals.”

Earlier this year, Innovative Trials’ CEO, Kate Shaw, won the Woman in Pharma award at the Pharma Industry Awards UK. The company has also previously been named Best Global Patient Recruitment Company by the Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2020 for international excellence.