A new model for clinical research – Expanding community trial access

Accelerating clinical development starts with expanding locations where trials can be conducted. Sponsors are increasingly considering community settings, including hospitals and clinics, as a way to bring trials involving innovative therapies closer to patients. Expanding development beyond specialized academic medical centers can help reduce patient burden, support enrollment and retention and improve access for more diverse patient populations. The panelists will discuss practical considerations and innovative tools for operationalizing a community-based approach. Community healthcare settings provide access to patients who are often underrepresented in academic trials – those who may be earlier in their disease journey, more reflective of real-world practice and highly motivated to participate when trials are available closer to home. By reducing logistical barriers and supporting sites, trial teams can speed up enrollment and improve retention while reaching populations that traditional academic centers alone cannot serve.