Covance launches optimisation method to make research less of a trial
The new methodology, known as Xcellerate, enables the contract research organisation (CRO) to make custom recommendations on site, investigator and geographic selections for every program it manages
The aim is to enhance clinical trial design and execution and help sponsors optimize clinical trial performance, improve quality, reduce waste, decreasing trial timelines and ultimately increase their return on investment.
Covance claims that, in a pilot study, approach cut the proportion of low on non-recruiting sites in cancer trials, which is typically around half of all those involved, to less than 14 per cent. This, the CRO, believes could be a significant cost saving given that low recruiting sites are estimated to cost $50,000 each per trial.
Covance also said it used the Xcellerate method during a long Phase III respiratory clinical study to help a client finish patient enrollment ahead of target and minimize disruption to investigator sites and their regular activities.
“This gave the trial a competitive edge in investigator uptake and site enrollment. As a single provider, Covance created synergy across multiple data streams from multiple vendors, helping keep this complex trial on track.”
Brett Bishop, VP, Clinical Trial Design and Strategy explained that the approach is “similar to the research and development process we manage for our clients, we have developed, tested and refined the Xcellerate methodology over the years.”
“We intend to continue to add new functionalities to the Xcellerate methodology that further enhance the clinical trial management service we provide our clients.”
