Reducing Patient Burden: Considerations For Virtual Dermatology Trials

By Sonja VanWye, RN, MSN, Director, Dermatology Strategy, IQVIA Biotech

The COVID-19 pandemic and the logistical roadblocks it created for clinical trials have raised the profile of virtual trial solutions for many pharmaceutical companies. Now, more than ever, trial sponsors are realizing it is critical to consider decentralized solutions, such as virtual trials and other remote capabilities, to ensure drug development continues through the volatility of the pandemic and beyond. While virtual trial platforms have been used sparingly over the past several years, the pandemic escalated the need for virtual elements. Sponsors have experienced first-hand how different components of virtual trials can be beneficial for future programs in both a COVID-19 environment and where COVID-19 is no longer prominent.

Sponsors must determine to what extent they can incorporate virtual solutions into their programs. One key factor to consider is the therapeutic area, as each area has innate risks and benefits. Like many other therapeutic areas, during this pandemic enrollment in dermatology trials has been impacted. The good news is that dermatology trials can be a nice fit for decentralized solutions, creating positive outcomes for sponsors and keeping trials on track for patients.