The Future of Clinical Research: Summit Chair Jasmina Jankicevic Weighs in on CRO Evolution

Jasmina Jankicevic

As the clinical research landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) find themselves at a critical juncture of transformation. Industry expert Jasmina Jankicevic, a Fractional CMO across Biopharma organizations, CMO at Innovaderm Research, and COG: CRO Summit 2024 Chairwoman, shares her insights on the future of clinical trials and the changing role of CROs in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

Technology-Driven Transformation

The next decade will see CROs becoming "significantly more technology-driven, patient-focused, and agile in navigating regulatory environment," according to Jasmina. She emphasizes the growing adoption of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are set to revolutionize multiple aspects of clinical trials.

"AI and ML could be used for trial design optimization, accurate patient recruitment and better customized retention," Jasmina explains. She highlights their potential to "analyze historical data to predict patient outcomes, treatment efficacy, and potential adverse events," while enabling "continuous, real-time monitoring of trial data."

Emerging Challenges and Preparatory Measures

The industry faces significant challenges ahead. "It is quite likely that complexity of trials is going to continue to increase due to development of completely different, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions," Jasmina notes. This complexity stems from the need to "globalize trials with exemplary diversity, inclusion, and ethical standards."

To address these challenges, Jasmina recommends several strategic approaches. Organizations should "be at the forefront of innovation and impact regulatory environment by actively engaging with agencies." She emphasizes the importance of making "clinical trials more patient-focused, diverse, and inclusive by involving patients very early on and create supportive communities with patient advocacy organizations."

The Rise of Personalized Medicine

The shift toward personalized medicine presents both opportunities and challenges for the industry. Jasmina acknowledges that while "development of personalized treatments based on individual patient characteristics is the ultimate medical and scientific goal," there are still hurdles to overcome. The industry needs "more tailored trial designs, based on robust validated biomarkers, and enhanced regulatory and operational capabilities to support these complex personalized trial designs."

Evolution of Sponsor-CRO Relationships

Looking ahead, Jasmina predicts a transformation in how CROs and sponsors work together. "The relationship between Clinical Research Organizations and trial sponsor companies is likely to strengthen significantly leading to strategic partnerships," she notes. This evolution will be "driven by changing industry dynamics, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on collaboration."

Geographic and Therapeutic Expertise

In terms of operational scope, Jasmina predicts that "CROs will aim to have presence across continents to meet sponsors' strategic and operational goals." She also anticipates increased specialization, noting that "from the therapeutic expertise perspective, it is to be expected that CROs will specialize in order to have differentiating offerings in the type and quality of services."

This evolution in the clinical research landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the industry. As Jasmina has suggested, success will depend on embracing technological innovation while maintaining a strong focus on patient needs and ethical standards. The future of clinical research appears to be moving toward a more integrated, technologically advanced, and patient-centric model, with CROs playing an increasingly strategic role in drug development and clinical trials.

Jasmina Jankicevic is Chairwoman of PBC Group’s inaugural CRO Summit. This meeting of strategy and operational CRO executives is the first of it’s kind, attracting attendance on an international level, from large, medium and emerging, and specialized CROs to discussing the changing landscape of clinical research.

The summit is free to attend: https://www.thepbcgroup.com/crosummit-registration