Get insights on current trends within the clinical research industry from the Imperial team, who recently returned from SCOPE Summit 2025 held in Orlando, Florida.
Political, economic, and environmental changes and concerns appeared to preoccupy the minds and energy of many people we encountered daily. Large numbers of clinical trials in 2024 were postponed to spring/summer 2025 or canceled altogether. Pipelines shifted considerably across many of the CROs and sponsors we support. This, combined with wider movements in the market, indicates that 2025 looks to be a firecracker of a year, with potentially even more upheaval in the cards.
I’m not complaining; I actually enjoy a fast-moving market with constant change, as it leads to interesting activities and, dare I say, a bit of innovation. Having entered this industry as a patient—especially in an area that relies heavily on innovation, research, and prompt responsiveness—I firmly believe that if any industry can benefit from a little spark now and then, it’s ours!
Literally moments before my flight, I came across this LinkedIn article stating that many high-grossing drugs will lose their patent protection within the next five years. This change is expected to significantly impact revenue streams for big pharma, compelling them to adapt their strategies. We will watch closely to see if this leads to the next mega-merger or acquisition, resulting in exciting new offerings in the market. I was eager for the SCOPE Summit to begin so I could connect with colleagues and friends and find out more about the latest trends in the clinical research industry.
First Impressions at SCOPE
Courtney, Dan, Imogen, Mike
At the SCOPE Summit, even in the opening ceremony, the patient engagement panel spoke of a desire to reinforce that the political status quo doesn’t and crucially shouldn’t impact patient recruitment. Research remains research, and that in itself cannot have bias. Science is based on fact.
Courtney Scanlon, our newest Imperial colleague who joined us for the first time at this event, was with me at the opening ceremony. She said,
“My favorite aspect as a SCOPE attendee is being in the company of like-minded individuals who share the passion and determination to improve the lives of others. While we all have different backgrounds, we come together on the commonality of wanting to help one another. It is nothing short of inspiring to connect with people who work diligently in each of our roles to bring these opportunities to life.”
The various panel discussions at the opening ceremony truly emphasized the importance of gathering at these events to share our frustrations and passion for improving what can be done better in the future. The diverse mix of knowledge and life experiences contributed to a common purpose: improving patients’ lives.
During these events, you often hear discussions, questioning, and interest. However, sometimes gatherings can fall flat, or feel forced, as if everyone is hesitating to be the first to say hello.
Fortunately, that was not the case at the 2025 SCOPE Summit. Our team felt encouraged as we head into a busy year. We had an incredible number of conversations with existing clients and new connections, particularly focused on ancillary supplies and the challenges associated with navigating costs and global logistics.
Clinical Research Industry Sponsor Insights
My colleague, Dan McDonald, shared a similar observation regarding a renewed interest in having targeted and purposeful conversations about the challenges we face, with the aim of resolving these issues in a timely manner.
“One of the things that really stands out to me is the representation of sponsor companies at this year’s event. Sponsors were back in mass. When I spoke with them about their reasons for attending, they highlighted a few motivating factors:
- Their pipelines are healthy, and, they require more support, particularly from vendors that provide specialty services, such as patient retention, study visit kits, and logistics expertise.
- They are not entirely satisfied with their current vendors and are approaching upcoming category refresh cycles—intending to reevaluate the vendor pool—identifying who is no longer effective and who can truly execute.
- They place real value on relationship-building. They appreciate opportunities to meet face-to-face, shake hands, and share a coffee or drink, especially in a world increasingly dominated by digital noise—from email marketing to social media channels.
In my opinion, a grassroots movement is emerging that seeks innovation and cutting-edge solutions through direct conversations and relationship-building, while also recognizing the importance of cultural fit. I find this to be both fascinating and refreshing.”
Relationship-building and partnering are very much a core focus for our team as we continue to grow and expand this year. Imperial remains committed to helping our clients overcome hurdles and bridge the gaps they find along the way to the site initiation visit (SIV) and beyond.”
Research Participant Recruitment and Retention Trends
The fact remains that patient recruitment and retention in general continues to be an ongoing source of frustration for many. This was evident from the large representation of recruitment vendors in the exhibit hall.
My colleague, Mike Lakey, our subject matter expert for digital innovation within patient recruitment, mentioned that he has never attended an event with so many patient recruitment firms represented. However, he noted that there wasn’t a substantial difference in their strategic approaches; most firms were promoting targeted digital outreach as the effective path forward.
One notable observation Mike made was the prevalence of this year’s buzzword in most conversations: the rapid expansion of AI in clinical trials. The pressing question is how to implement it safely and for the benefit of patients. Mike’s post-event takeaway comment is, “AI can be intimidating and complex for the general public. While the possibilities of AI are virtually endless, we must consider whether it actually improves or hinders the patient experience.”
Final Thoughts
I find events like these a valuable window into the soul of the industry. You can see, hear, and feel the pulse of the clinical trial industry simply by being in the exhibition hall. The noise and sounds of laughter and conversation reflect not just colleagues but friends coming together from all over the world to connect.
I particularly love conversations at conferences that end with a take-home message, a call to action, or if you are really lucky, a gift. Imperial did not disappoint those who visited us. We remained committed to sustainability and took pride in sharing an eco-friendly gift rather than the usual plastic offerings that end up lurking at the bottom of your office drawer, soon forgotten.
This year we brought planters with a smile and shared with visitors to our booth in exchange for a smile. The planters included the seeds and growing medium to grow chives or pansies. We hope to see photos of your plants as they grow in your office, or on a window at your home, bringing you a smile for months to come! Post your picture on LinkedIn using #showusyourgrowth.
Bridge the Gaps in Your Clinical Studies
Imperial Clinical Research Services provides cost-conscious ancillary trial supplies and equipment procurement/management, premium print and digital production, award-winning creative design and writing of clinical trial materials, translation services for 100+ languages, targeted patient engagement programs, warehousing, and global logistics to more than 100 countries.
The Imperial Advantage: We can provide the services of 4-5 vendors, which gives you tremendous control, consistency, and transparency in the flow of work. This fosters efficiencies, resulting in superior quality, faster turnaround, and cost savings. We take care of it, so you don’t have to.
Whether you need one service or several, visit our website for more information on how Imperial can help bridge the gaps in your studies, or contact us.