Accelagen’s approach to site identification and feasibility is setting a new standard for clinical trial operation and management, where strong collaboration and patient needs are prioritised. By focusing on early engagement and developing lasting partnerships, they are leading the industry as a provider of clinical research solutions.
A Collaborative Approach to Site Selection in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials require precise planning and a careful approach to site identification and selection. In a market crowded with high volume service providers, Accelagen stands out as a CRO by treating each site as a true collaborator. From the first protocol review to the conclusion of the study, they emphasise engagement and a boutique approach to ensure that trials run smoothly and on schedule.
For Accelagen, site feasibility is about building genuine partnerships with site staff, investigators, and the patient community itself. By involving patients indirectly through site engagement, the team ensures that study protocols align with real patient experiences and expectations. These relationships are established early, ideally during the study design, so that sites can contribute meaningfully to protocol development and ensure that screening and eligibility processes are practical. When sites and therefore patients are engaged in this way, they are more invested in the trial’s success, which can enhance recruitment outcomes and prevent delays.
Engagement that Drives Better Protocol Design
One of the key insights from Accelagen’s experience is that early and sustained engagement with trial sites greatly improves feasibility assessments. Samantha Birrell, Associate Project Manager at Accelagen, recalls an instance where the sponsor developed the protocol without investigator consultation. The resulting design was complex and included screening procedures that were difficult for patients to complete, which impacted recruitment and posed significant challenges to site staff to identify and recruit patients as needed.
This experience clearly demonstrated the importance of focusing in on sites that have the capacity to complete study requirements, but also ensure realistic screening processes that balance thoroughness with patient convenience. In contrast, in examples where Accelagen involved extensive consultation with investigators and a genuine understanding of patient needs, “we are filling up cohorts faster than even the sponsor imagined,” Samantha explains.
According to Lisa Pedro, Study Startup Manager at Accelagen, this level of site engagement is uncommon in larger CROs. “It is really just a robotic process for many,” she says. “They send out feasibility questionnaires to a database of sites and hope for the best.” At Accelagen, the approach is more tailored and thoughtful. “There is a level of care and collaboration that you simply do not get with others in our industry.”
Accelagen’s personalised approach also identifies factors affecting suitability beyond simple experience. The balance between staff enthusiasm, logistical capacity, and the ability to prioritise the study is crucial. Sites that are already overwhelmed with multiple trials are not the best choice, whereas sites that are aligned with the study’s recruitment strategy and are truly engaged tend to outperform others.
Long-Term Relationships and Smart Use of Technology
Established, long-term relationships also set Accelagen apart, as these connections significantly streamline the activation process by ensuring that key documentation and relevant information from past collaborations are available. This allows the team to expedite site start-up without compromising on compliance or quality.
Technology is also an important component of Accelagen’s strategy, although it supports rather than replaces their personalised approach. The organisation maintains extensive internal databases of site performance and capabilities, which helps preserve company knowledge to use across projects. The team can track changes within sites and departments over time and review trends in resource allocation, which is critical given the dynamic nature of clinical trial sites.
Accelagen recognises the importance of tailoring its approach to the specific demands of different therapeutic areas, acknowledging that practices in oncology differ from those in neurology and other fields. By developing bespoke internal tools, the organisation can better match sites to study requirements and refine its strategies over time.
Patient-Centric, Partnership-Driven Trials
Ultimately, Accelagen’s strength lies in its adaptability and patient-centric philosophy. The organisation views sites not merely as tools but as integral partners in conducting trials that respect and prioritise the patient experience. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of the trial is designed with patient needs and site capabilities in mind.
Accelagen presents a customised, collaborative approach to site feasibility that supports effective recruitment, ensures regulatory compliance, and cultivates strong site relationships. This approach distinguishes Accelagen from many other CROs and makes them a strong choice for organisations looking for a partner in clinical research.