The Association of Multisite Research Corporations (AMRC) has officially launched, marking a transformative step forward in clinical research. This new trade association aims to advance the adoption of multisite clinical research corporations (MCRCs) to enhance efficiency, improve patient safety, and uphold data integrity in clinical trials.

Representing 14 founding organizations with a global footprint of nearly 400 research sites,  nearly 1,000 Principal Investigators (PIs) who employ over 7,000 people, AMRC has the scale to establish industry best-practice and help drive meaningful improvements in the clinical trials ecosystem. For example, in 2022 alone, AMRC members enrolled more than 73,500 patients in 2024.

The Case for Change

For decades, clinical trials have relied on a fragmented system of independent sites, resulting in delays, increased costs, and significant burdens on PIs. Nearly 80% of trials miss enrollment targets and timelines, costing sponsors and CROs an estimated $540,000 per day in lost revenue (Tufts University). Rising patient recruitment demands and increasing trial complexity have amplified the urgency for change.

A 2024 McKinsey report highlighted that, between 2012 and 2022, trial numbers grew by 19%, while recruitment rates per site declined by 14% in oncology and 54% in non-oncology studies. MCRCs are uniquely equipped to address these challenges by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating timelines, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders, including patients.

Addressing Industry Challenges

AMRC’s mission is to promote the unique benefits of MCRCs, including scalability, consistency through centralized operations, robust data integrity, and enhanced support for PIs. By streamlining processes for Sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and improving data collection for regulators, AMRC aims to address inefficiencies in the traditional site model, which has been plagued by delays, inconsistent quality, and investigator burnout.

Jim Kremidas, Executive Director of AMRC, emphasized, “Multisite networks provide scalable, reliable solutions to systemic industry challenges. With standardized processes and centralized operations, these networks are redefining clinical trials. AMRC’s launch unites the industry to champion the multisite model, fostering a more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centric future.”

Industry Leaders Weigh In

David Burrow, Director, Office of Scientific Investigations, Office of Compliance, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration noted, “Standardizing systems, simplifying operations and enhancing data quality is exactly what the FDA is looking for. Multisite trials have the opportunity to improve efficiency, enhance patient relationships, and reduce burnout, ultimately ensuring clinical trial professionals know what they’re doing.”

Dr. Paul Evans, President and CEO of Velocity Clinical Research and an AMRC founding member, added, “Multisites scale for a purpose. They ease site selection, allowing sponsors to work with fewer vendors and enabling single contracts rather than multiple. This streamlines operations, professionalizes the workforce, and reduces the variability that plagues the traditional model.”

Jennifer Byrne, CEO of Javara and another AMRC founding member, highlighted the impact on PIs:  “The current system is archaic in its view of the PI as solely responsible for everything. The multisite approach builds a moat around the PI, providing essential support while standardizing processes to create efficient forums for sharing best practices. It transforms a fragmented system into a scalable, pragmatic solution.”

Marisa DeMougin, Senior Director, Advarra, said: “Data from Advarra underscores the effectiveness of MCRCs. Between 2017 and 2024, IRB protocol submissions from MCRCs rose from 48 to 212, while the percentage of one-and-done PIs decreased from 11% to 6% in the same period. We have also seen a dramatic decrease in study start-up times thanks to multisite networks establishing consistent and centralized processes, combining this with Advarra’s CTMS system (Clinical Conductor). These networks are leading the way in optimizing processes and delivering positive impacts that individual sites cannot easily replicate.

The future and key initiatives

AMRC is committed to reshaping the clinical trial landscape with key initiatives:

• Establishing industry standards for staff training and operational excellence.
• Conducting research on the economic and patient impact of traditional trial inefficiencies.
• Collaborating with sponsors and CROs to standardize contracts and streamline processes.
• Deliver value to members through educational events, webinars, and advocating for the unique benefits of MRCRs.

As the clinical trial ecosystem evolves, AMRC’s leadership will ensure it is equipped to meet emerging challenges. By championing multisite networks, AMRC will create a future where clinical trials are faster, safer, and more efficient—delivering life-saving treatments to patients.

Ends

Notes to editors

For more information, please visit www.amrc.org 

Launch webinar

AMRC will host a launch webinar discussion: “operational inefficiency in clinical research – what is the true cost to Sponsors and CROs?” Register on the AMRC website.

Date: Thursday, 30 January
Time: 3pm ET
Duration: 1 Hour
Panelists: Jennifer Byrne (Javara), David Burrow (FDA), Mary Jo Lamberti (Tufts University), Doug Peddicord (ACRO)
Moderator: Jim Kremidas (AMRC)

No. of IRB protocol submissions from MCRCs from 2017 to 2024, Source: Advarra

Percentage of Principal investigators making only one IRB protocol submission 2017 to 2024, Source: Advarra

Founding Membership and Global Vision

AMRC’s founding members include leading multisite organizations employing nearly 1,000 principal investigators and over 7,000 staff across the US, Canada, Europe, and Puerto Rico. Together, they enrolled more than 73,500 patients in 2024.

By promoting the key strengths of MCRCs—enhanced data quality, improved patient safety, and streamlined operations—AMRC is poised to reshape the clinical trial ecosystem. AMRC is currently focused on the U.S. Once it has solidified its position in the U.S, the association intends to expand its membership and advocacy efforts internationally, targeting regions including Europe, Canada, and Asia.

AMRC founding members

1. Alcanza Clinical Research
2. Alliance for Multispecialty Research (AMR)
3. CenExel
4. Centricity Research
5. DM Clinical Research
6. Evolution Research Group (ERG)
7. Flourish
8. Javara
9. Helios Clinical Research
10. Headlands Research
11. IMA Clinical Research
12. Paradigm Clinical Research
13. Tekton Research
14. Velocity Clinical Research

About AMRC:
The Association of Multisite Research Corporations (AMRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the use of multisite clinical research corporations in the global clinical trial ecosystem. Through advocacy, collaboration, and education, AMRC aims to transform clinical trials to improve patient outcomes, data quality, and operational efficiency. Visit amrc.org for more information.