Could you explain the primary functions of your company in the clinical trials sector?
Advanced Clinical (www.advancedclinical.com) is a clinical development and strategic resourcing organization committed to providing a better clinical experience across the drug development journey. Our goal is to improve the lives of all those touched by clinical research – approaching each opportunity with foresight, character, resilience and innovation. Based on decades of experience, we help our clients achieve better outcomes by conducting candid conversations and anticipating potential issues through our customized solutions.
What has driven the recent global expansion of your company?
Our global expansion is a response to the increasing international scope of clinical trials. In 2017, we recognized the need to manage global trials directly, rather than relying on partnerships. This approach was driven by customer demand for more globally diverse trials, especially in fields like oncology and rare diseases, where regional responses to drugs can vary significantly. By expanding globally, we aim to reduce risks inherent in partnerships, such as instability or changes in partner organizations, thereby streamlining the trial process.
Why is inclusivity important in clinical trials, and how does it affect drug effectiveness?
Inclusivity in clinical trials is crucial. Historically, many drugs were primarily tested in male populations, leading to disparities in effectiveness when used by the general public. The industry now recognizes the need to match the demographic of a disease with the trial enrollment data.
Ensuring that trial participants reflect the demographic of the disease leads to more effective drugs and a better understanding of how responses vary across different regions and demographics.
What do you foresee as the next major challenge in clinical trials?
The next significant challenges in clinical trials revolve around leveraging artificial intelligence and business process automation. Although hybrid and decentralized trials (DCTs) have been around for years now, we continue to see an increase in them, particularly in therapeutic areas like rare disease, where patients are hard to gather centrally. The focus continues to be on making trials more accessible to patients in diverse locations. Our goals include reducing the number of participants needed in placebo arms and utilizing data-driven approaches to streamline trials. These changes aim to decrease costs and time, bringing effective products to market more quickly.
What makes Advanced Clinical stand out in the industry?
Advanced Clinical differentiates itself by constantly challenging traditional trial designs and ensuring diversity in the trials we conduct match demographic needs. We serve the mid-tier market, primarily working with biotech companies where cutting-edge science and innovation happens. Our competitive edge lies in our business process automation and data-driven approaches, making us a top player in this segment. This focus on innovation and efficiency sets us apart from our competitors. In January 2024, we are establishing an innovation hub to help us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients through working on new and efficient ways to enhance the clinical trial process.
Why has achieving fair representation in clinical trials been historically challenging?
Fair representation in clinical trials has been difficult due to the centralized nature of state-of-the-art research, often conducted in university settings or by thought leaders in specific locations. Awareness and participation in trials vary significantly across cultures and demographics. Overcoming these challenges involves improving communication and customizing approaches to enrollment, making participation more accessible and inclusive. This shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more tailored, inclusive strategy is essential for accurate and effective drug development.
How does your company's focus on its people contribute to its success?
Our people-first approach is central to our success. We invest in our employees, enabling them to achieve incredible results, which in turn drives our business growth. Our financial decisions are directed by our people's needs, not dictated by private equity or VC funding. This focus on employee welfare and empowerment creates a fulfilling work environment, which is crucial in an industry where making a difference is a key motivator.
What is your vision for the future of clinical trials?
Our vision for the future of clinical trials is inclusive, automated, and data-driven. We are investing heavily in decentralized clinical trials, aiming to make trials more accessible globally to more people. By focusing on innovative ideas and collaborating with various stakeholders, we're working towards conducting trials in the most efficient and effective way possible. This global perspective, paired with a commitment to innovation, positions us to face different hurdles in drug development across various medical fields. As the clinical research industry becomes more efficient and innovative, the faster we can produce effective cures and treatments across so many unmet needs of today.
