ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR), a global leader in clinical research powered by healthcare intelligence, today revealed the results of a recent global survey involving 101 biotech and pharma professionals from Europe and North America. The survey aimed to assess the progress and future trajectory of AI and digital innovation adoption within clinical research.
ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR), a global leader in clinical research powered by healthcare intelligence, has shared the results of its latest survey on AI and digital innovation in clinical research. The survey, which involved 101 biotech and pharma professionals across Europe and North America, explored the adoption trajectory of these technologies within the industry.
The survey reveals that attitudes toward the potential impact of digital tools and AI solutions remain largely positive. Since ICON’s last similar survey in 2019, sponsors’ optimism about AI’s ability to enhance R&D productivity has increased by 5%. Respondents believe that digital tools can improve return on R&D investments (82%), enhance product safety and efficacy (76%), and support competitiveness in targeted medicine markets (76%). However, compared to 2019, sponsors now have more realistic expectations about how quickly AI benefits can be achieved at a larger scale, recognizing the investment of capital, time, and expertise needed to see tangible results.
ICON’s new whitepaper, “Digital Disruption: Surveying the Industry’s Evolving Landscape,” highlights how companies can adopt a more integrated approach to AI and digital tools.
Tom O’Leary, Chief Information Officer at ICON, commented, “Over the past five years, the life sciences industry has gained a greater understanding of the investment required to fully leverage AI and digital tools. These innovations can make clinical trials more efficient and less burdensome, but to achieve full productivity gains, companies must adopt these tools broadly, rather than using them in isolated applications.”
The survey found that investment in AI and digital tools has increased significantly. Over the past five years, the average total investment in digital tools has grown by 34%, and 88% of respondents expect their organizations to increase investment in the next 1-2 years.
However, most organizations are still using new technologies on a smaller scale. Seventy percent of respondents reported piloting or selectively using AI in clinical development, with only 13% having a fully implemented AI program.
Respondents are also more aware of the challenges hindering large-scale adoption, with patient safety, data integrity, and regulatory compliance cited as the primary barriers.
Tom O’Leary added, “To fully realize the potential of digital technologies in R&D, companies need comprehensive and strategic approaches. Although waiting for others to test and refine these tools is a safer option, it slows the pace of digital innovation. Tools designed specifically for clinical trials can address regulatory and other unique challenges. With the right understanding of these complexities, alongside necessary investments, the benefits of AI and digital tools can be realized faster.”
ICON’s whitepaper provides insights on how companies can overcome the barriers to digital adoption, particularly in increasingly complex and costly trials, while navigating regulatory uncertainties associated with new technology.
About ICON plc
ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research by providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and public health organizations. With headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, ICON employs approximately 42,250 people across 106 locations in 55 countries as of September 30, 2024.
