Editorial Perspectives On Decentralized Trials

1. DCT Benefits Are Proven, Yet Progress Is Slow 7/21/2025

   Despite the clear benefits of decentralized trials—broader reach, better retention, and higher diversity—adoption has been slow. In this interview, Sunny Kumar of Informed Ventures explains how AI is lowering costs, speeding up study builds, and pushing DCTs from fringe to future.

2. Tufts & PACT Release New DCT Analysis 7/7/2025

   We take a closer look at some of the key stats in a new DCT report from the Partnership for Advancing Clinical Trials (PACT), a consortium hosted and facilitated by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (CSDD).

3. Local HCPs In DCTs: A Game-Changer For Oncology Trials 4/29/2025

   An AMC’s decentralized trial model uses local HCPs to expand oncology research access across North Carolina while maintaining regulatory compliance and building on early DCT experiences and FDA collaboration.

4. 7 Steps To Manage Local HCPs In A Decentralized Trial 4/17/2025

   Here’s a template you can use for a multi-step process to create a centralized system to verify the credentials, licenses, and professional standing of all local healthcare professionals (HCPs) participating in a DCT.

5. Local HCPs in DCTs: Big Benefits, Bigger Burdens? 4/17/2025

   Local HCPs in DCTs provide benefits like improved patient accessibility, retention, and diversity, but create significant oversight burdens for investigators and sponsors, requiring extensive documentation, training protocols, and communication systems to maintain compliance.

6. Were There Any Surprises In Clinical Trials In 2024? 12/4/2024

   Is it any surprise that when I asked a group of clinical trial industry experts to summarize some of the things that stood out to them in 2024, that AI would be mentioned more than once? Probably not. Resistance to DCTs, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and a slowdown in CRO M&As also made their lists — but I’m guessing none of that surprises you, either.

7. Not A Bad First Year 11/11/2024

   Dan Schell, chief Editor or Clinical Leader, summarizes his first year in this role and highlights some of his key takeaways and lists some of the people who have helped him better understand the clinical trials ecosystem. 

8. Government Contract Advances Walgreens In Clinical Space 8/1/2024

   Walgreen’s new $25 million deal with BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) is a huge win for the pharmacy chain. John Campbell, head of DCTs at Walgreens, explains the ins and outs of the study and what could be next for the company regarding its clinical trials division.

9. Siteless DCTs Are Real … And Happening Now 6/20/2024

   Siteless DCTs (decentralized trials) are rare, but Praxis Precision Medicines is running one now for patients with essential tremor (ET). Marcio Souza, PharmD, the company’s president and CEO, talks about why they chose this model and the surprising speed at which it is progressing.

10. For Hybrid Trials, Have Some Faith … In Sites 5/9/2024

    Noelle Gaskill believes the key to regulatory success with a DCT is to not force a bunch of tech onto sites, but instead, choose those that already have the needed technology and experience and then let them do what they do best – execute on the trial.