There’s an ancient Chinese expression that says, “may you live in interesting times.” For the clinical trial industry, the word “interesting” doesn’t even begin to cover the roller-coaster ride of regulatory changes, disappearing grants, and general uncertainty it’s endured over the past six to twelve months.
However, for practitioners working in clinical trials, each day also brings the prospect of being involved with a major medical breakthrough that may extend duration and improve the quality of life for patients. And while industry has enjoyed significant breakthroughs in a number of therapeutic areas, the work is by no means finished.
We recently spoke with several AMRC members to ask them: What are you most excited about professionally in the next few months?
What’s Next? AMRC Members Share Their Outlook
Centricity Research was one of the first to acknowledge how the US Government decisions to cancel certain trials or put them on hold have impacted the clinical industry at large. Jeff Kingsley, Chief Development Officer, Centricity Research, commented:“Our industry has faced significant headwinds with this administration. I’m very excited about seeing those winds plateau and I believe we will then benefit from some good tail winds as MCRCs all race to get back on track. I believe M&A activity will increase over the next several years as a result.”
Study Volume Rebounds and Strategic Restructuring Pay Off
The increase in M&A activity is strongly supported by an increase in trial pipeline for a few of our members. Lori Wright, Founder, CEO, Evolution Research Group, commented: “We are very excited about the increase in study activity, collaboration, and funding commitment in our areas of focus, which significantly ramped up in late Q2. Specifically, the timing of the uptick in phase 1 study volume aligned perfectly with the opening of our new facility in Miami.”
“ERG’s restructuring of clinical operations in late 2023, which focused on Therapeutic Area Leadership pillars, has also paid off significantly and our clients have provided positive feedback, prompting us to further invest in these specialty areas. “
“I am personally thrilled to see a much higher level of collaboration between our clinical site teams and scientific experts and both our sponsor and CRO clients.”
Selective Growth and Deeper Sponsor Relationships
Kurt Mussina, CEO, Paradigm Research, added to this: “We’re seeing a strong and growing pipeline of studies in the therapeutic areas we’ve chosen to target, which positions us well for sustained growth. The markets we’ve entered in the last couple of years are gaining traction, with expanding investigator networks and stronger community awareness.
“We’re becoming increasingly selective about which studies we participate in, allowing us to focus resources on high-value opportunities. We’ve also strengthened our relationships with sponsors and CROs of choice, which is translating into more repeat business and earlier involvement in study planning.”
Technology-Driven Scalability in Site Networks
Pivoting away from pipeline and focusing on infrastructure investments, DM Clinical are looking to technology to help them scale more efficiently. Mohammad A. Millwala, CEO, DM Clinical Research, commented: “We’re excited to see the benefits emerging from all the technology and other investments we’ve made over the past five years. Investments we’ve made in the past are giving an accelerated return on investment, with improved scalability and centralization.”
The Human Impact Behind the Science
Finally, it’s always important to remember that, at their foundation, clinical trials are about human beings and their health. Sean Stanton, Founder, K2 Medical Research: said “I’m excited about the possibilities presented by gene therapies, especially when it comes to addressing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. I was recently at a hospital with my daughter who is working towards being a nurse and we saw a young person with Parkinson’s, and we were talking about how exciting it will be when gene therapies can identify and block the DNA for it. I turned to my daughter and said, “’that’s why we do this.’”
A Sector Recalibrating for Resilience
Taken together, these insights paint a picture of an industry not just recovering, but recalibrating for smarter, more sustainable growth. While external pressures remain, from policy shifts to economic constraints, AMRC member organizations are leaning into innovation, operational excellence, and strategic focus. Whether through technology, therapeutic specialization, or deeper sponsor collaboration, MCRCs are proving their resilience and readiness for what’s next. If brighter skies are indeed ahead, it’s because these leaders are actively building the infrastructure to meet them.
