How Decentralized Clinical Trials Are Reshaping Drug Development

In this episode of Biotech Business with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are transforming drug development by moving research out of traditional academic centers and into patients' homes. They dive into the specific case of Pfizer's DCT for ulcerative colitis during the pandemic, which used telemedicine, local labs, and wearable sensors to cut enrollment time by 30% while improving patient diversity. The hosts discuss the cost benefits—some DCTs report 20% lower trial costs—and the regulatory tailwinds from the FDA's 2023 guidance. They also highlight challenges, including data integrity concerns and the digital divide, using the example of a 2024 Alzheimer's trial that struggled with rural recruitment. The episode closes with a forward look at how hybrid models might become the new standard, with McKinsey estimating 30% of all phase II and III trials could include a DCT component by 2028. #DecentralizedClinicalTrials #DCT #ClinicalTrials #DrugDevelopment #Pfizer #UlcerativeColitis #FDA #Telemedicine #DigitalHealth #PatientCentricity #Biotech #PharmaInnovation #RealWorldEvidence #WearableTech #HealthEquity #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo