Trust and long-term relationships are essential for the success of clinical trials. Building and maintaining these relationships between sponsors, CROs, and sites ensures smooth trial execution and high-quality outcomes. This article explores strategies for building trust and fostering long-term relationships in clinical trials, with a focus on what biotech, and pharmaceutical sponsors need to know.Â
Transparent Communication and CollaborationÂ
Transparent communication is the cornerstone of trust in clinical trials. While sponsors, often rely on their CROs to manage communication with sites, it is essential that the CRO fully understands the sponsorâs stance on all aspects of trial management. This alignment ensures that messaging remains consistent and reflective of the sponsorâs priorities. For key communications, such as recruitment push or significant events such as protocol amendments, direct engagement from the sponsor, coordinated with the CRO, can be highly beneficial. It has been observed that site engagement tends to improve in trials where sponsors interact with sites at key moments during the study. To avoid conflicting outbound messages to sites, establishing clear roles and responsibilities between the sponsor and the CRO from the outset, along with regular meetings, status updates, and feedback sessions are essential tools for maintaining this open line of communication and collaborative environment.Â
Delivering Consistent Quality and Performance
Equally important to clinical trial success is the delivery of consistent performance and quality data. While sponsors depend on sites to uphold protocol integrity, safeguard participant safety, and ensure data accuracy, the oversight of site is often delegated to a CRO. Therefore, selecting a CRO that can effectively represent the sponsorâs standards and expectations is critical. High-performing sites, those that meet recruitment targets, stay on schedule, and implement robust quality control measures, are more likely to thrive when supported by a CRO that communicates clearly and timely and provides the right tools. Sites often complain they get too many messages from CROs and/or sponsors during a trial. The important communications are then diluted amongst secondary messages or endless reminders. This affects responsiveness and reactivity. Sponsors should ensure their chosen CRO is equipped to optimize communication and support sites in delivering expected results.Â
Building a Reputation for ReliabilityÂ
A strong reputation for reliability is another key factor in site engagement and trial success. Sponsors benefit from working with sites that consistently meet deadlines, communicate proactively, and adapt to challenges. However, this reliability is often shaped by the CROâs ability to build and maintain strong relationships with sites. Sponsors should look for CROs with a proven track record of successful collaborations, and who understand the importance of timely support, recognition of high-performing sites, and the sharing of best practices across networks. A CRO that embodies these values will help reinforce the sponsorâs reputation and strengthen site partnerships.Â
Long-Term Relationship ManagementÂ
Long-term relationship management is essential for sustained success in clinical development. Trials are not isolated events, and enduring partnerships with sites lead to smoother execution and faster startup times. Sponsors should seek CROs that prioritize ongoing engagement with sites, beyond individual studies, through training, feedback collection, and responsiveness to evolving needs. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits in a CRO that can maintain strong, productive relationships in a dynamic regulatory and scientific environment. Also have a look at CRA turnover rates at your CRO. CRAs are key in the day-to-day exchanges with sites. A strong relationship can be built between CRAs and site study coordinators that can go a long way in the collaboration. Â
Biotech and pharma sponsors who invest in selecting CROs that reflect their values, support consistent performance, and nurture long-term relationships with clinical trial sites are better positioned to achieve successful trial outcomes. These partnerships, built on trust, alignment, and mutual respect, form the foundation of efficient, high-quality clinical research that ultimately benefits patients and advances medical innovation. Â
Letâs shape the future of research and make a difference in the industry, gain Inderoâs support in your upcoming trial and propel your study to new heights.Â
About the AuthorÂ
Anne Marie Gaulin, Executive Vice President of International Expansion at Indero (formerly known as Innovaderm), brings over two decades of experience as a senior executive to the forefront of strategic development, geographical expansion, business development, marketing, and operations within contract research organizations. Her extensive background in the pharmaceutical and contract packaging industries has equipped her with a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge.Â
Throughout her career, Anne Marie has consistently exceeded sales objectives, defined winning strategies, met critical timelines, and established key partnerships and relationships with external stakeholders. Known for her dynamic, action-oriented approach, she is a strategic thinker with strong analytical and interpersonal skills.Â
