3 Good Reasons To Diversify Your Clinical Research Site Network
Over the past five years, the clinical research industry has experienced a surge in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, driven by the need for scale, technological integration, and diversification of capabilities. Companies like Centricity Research and The IMA Group have expanded their networks significantly. Centricity has grown through mergers and acquisitions while IMA, backed by Centre Partners, acquired seven sites since 2018.
Contract research organizations (CROs) also saw a spike in M&A deals in 2021, with 50 transactions—more than double the previous year, according to Clinical Trials Arena.
As larger networks continue to expand, the need for independent sites for clinical trials remains strong. From their flexibility to their expertise, here are three compelling reasons to make these sites part of your clinical research site network.
1. Specialized Expertise for Complex Trials
Large site networks are designed for scale and typically manage routine trials. However, they may lack the flexibility and specialized knowledge required for more complex studies, such as those focused on rare diseases or conditions that require specific expertise.
Remington-Davis, an independent site in Columbus, Ohio, was selected for a rare disease study on erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) due to its geographic location and proven ability to manage complex logistics.
For more insights on how we enable success in rare disease trials, stream this episode of SCRS Talks, featuring RDI’s Hamish Baird and Jennifer Botte speaking exclusively on the topic.
2. Overcoming Recruitment Challenges
Patient recruitment is one of the most critical aspects of any clinical trial. In larger networks, a small percentage of sites often enroll the majority of patients, while other sites struggle to meet their targets. Centralized management within large networks can also delay the identification of recruitment issues, leading to missed milestones.
Independent sites, on the other hand, often have strong relationships with local healthcare providers, allowing for more targeted recruitment efforts toward diverse patient populations. They can offer more personalized patient engagement, which helps reduce the likelihood of patients falling through the cracks.
At Remington-Davis, our patient database and strong local ties help us maintain a high level of engagement. At the same time, we pride ourselves on delivering a patient-centric experience that keeps patients engaged and feeling supported throughout the trial.
3. Agility and Collaborative Partnership
Large site networks typically follow standardized processes designed for efficiency and scalability. While this may work for certain types of studies, it can become a hindrance when a trial requires agility. Large networks may struggle to pivot quickly if the trial needs adjustments to protocols, timelines, or recruitment strategies.
In contrast, independent research sites often have fewer administrative barriers, allowing for faster decision-making and greater flexibility. These sites can quickly adapt to study-specific needs and are more likely to work collaboratively with sponsors and CROs to keep trials on track.
Consider the case where Remington-Davis worked with a global device CRO to quickly pivot a migraine glasses trial to a fully remote design at the start of COVID—all while keeping timelines on track. See our case study for details.
Make Space for Independent Sites in Your Network
While large site networks offer operational scale and broad geographic reach, independent sites bring unique advantages to the table. By leveraging the strengths of both large networks and independent sites within your clinical research site network, you can streamline any clinical trial process, optimize outcomes, and ensure studies are completed on time and within budget.
To learn more about the invaluable importance of independent sites in current clinical research, download our resource, The Evolution and Future of Clinical Research Sites. In it, you’ll learn more about the benefits of working with independent clinical trial sites and see real-world examples that underscore their crucial role in clinical research and advances in medicine.