Top 5 Research Trends for 2025: A Focus on Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
As the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors advance, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) are adapting to new trends and challenges. In 2025, CROs will be central to driving innovation and improving efficiency, with the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region emerging as a major area of focus. Here, we explore some of the key trends shaping the future of CROs.
- Growth of Decentralized and Virtual Clinical Trials (DCTs and VCTs)
Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs) and Virtual Clinical Trials (VCTs) are revolutionizing the clinical trial landscape by enabling participants to engage remotely, reducing site visits and expanding trial accessibility. By leveraging technologies such as telemedicine and wearables, these models minimize patient burden while enhancing data collection and accuracy.
In 2025, Contract Research Organizations (CROs) are expected to further integrate DCT and VCT models, particularly in geographically diverse regions like APAC, where logistical barriers could hinder participation. CMIC Group offers advanced DCT and VCT solutions, providing the flexibility needed to conduct efficient, multi-country trials. With our dual expertise as a CRO and Site Management Organization (SMO), CMIC delivers comprehensive support, including implementing systems and devices at clinical sites and facilitating seamless communication among investigators, site staff, and patients.
Digital platforms, like CMIC’s harmo and nanacara, can enhance decentralized trial efficiency and accuracy. An innovative medical information collaboration system, harmo integrates with Japan’s My Number Portal, automating updates from pharmacies and hospitals. Meanwhile, nanacara supports epilepsy care by tracking seizures, managing medications, and providing real-time insights.
- Expanding Clinical Trials in the APAC Region
The APAC region is a growing hub for clinical trials, with countries like Japan, China, and South Korea offering attractive options for trials due to infrastructure growth, a skilled workforce, and favorable regulatory policies. CROs play a key role in managing the logistics and regulatory requirements unique to each APAC country, helping streamline trials and reduce time-to-market.
Key advantages of APAC include:
- Diverse Patient Populations: With its large, varied population, APAC provides ideal conditions for recruitment across therapeutic areas.
- Regulatory Advancements: The PMDA is easing requirements for clinical trial bridging studies, allowing for smoother integration of global data and accelerating the approval process for innovative therapies in Japan.
- Focus on Oncology and Rare Diseases: Rising cancer rates in the region make APAC a prime location for oncology and rare disease trials, where patient pools are otherwise challenging to reach.
- AI and Machine Learning in Clinical Trials
AI and machine learning (ML) are transforming clinical trials by enabling faster data analysis, optimizing patient recruitment, and improving data accuracy. CROs will play a pivotal role in implementing AI-driven solutions to streamline trial processes, from recruitment to monitoring.
Key areas of impact include:
- Patient Recruitment: AI can rapidly analyze health data to identify eligible patients, reducing recruitment time.
- Data Quality Monitoring: ML algorithms help detect data anomalies in real-time, improving trial compliance and quality.
- Risk Prediction and Safety Management: AI’s predictive capabilities allow for proactive risk management, enhancing patient safety and trial outcomes.
- Increasing Focus on Real-World Data (RWD) and Real-World Evidence (RWE)
Real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) are increasingly vital in regulatory and healthcare decision-making. By leveraging electronic health records, patient registries, and digital platforms, CROs provide insights that enhance clinical development and post-marketing studies.
In Japan, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) supports RWE in post-marketing studies, creating opportunities for CROs to assist with regulatory approvals and safety monitoring.
CMIC Group, with its expertise in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, helps clients navigate these processes. The harmo platform integrates with Japan’s My Number Portal, pharmacy, and hospital systems to streamline RWD collection, improve data quality, and support regulatory submissions.
- Enhanced Collaboration with Healthcare Providers and Institutions
In 2025, CROs will increase collaborations with healthcare providers, research institutions, and technology companies. This aligns with the industry’s focus on precision medicine and personalized treatments, which benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration.
For CMIC Group, partnerships across Japan, APAC, and global institutions are vital for advancing trial access and outcomes. By working closely with local experts, CMIC ensures trial protocols align with regional practices and patient needs, creating more efficient, patient-centered trials.
Looking Forward
As 2025 unfolds, CROs like CMIC Group will lead the way in delivering efficient, high-quality, and innovative clinical trial services. With its focus on the APAC region, integration of DCT/VCT models, and adoption of cutting-edge technology, CMIC remains a trusted partner for pharma and biotech companies navigating the dynamic clinical trial landscape.
For more information on CMIC’s clinical trial services in APAC and beyond, explore our website or contact us directly.
Resources
- Japan Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)
- S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Fan L, Goss PE, Strasser-Weippl K. Current Status and Future Projections of Breast Cancer in Asia. Breast Care (Basel). 2015 Dec;10(6):372-8. doi: 10.1159/000441818. Epub 2015 Dec 15. PMID: 26989355; PMCID: PMC4789872.
