The COG Review: Building Better Clinical Studies

Learn practical strategies and insights from experts on how to outsource clinical trials and choose CROs, aimed at helping clinical operations leaders improve study execution and strengthen relationships with vendors.SpeakersNara Daubany – CEO & Co-Founder, Phaim PharmaGraeme Duncan – Head of Clinical Development, NeurocentrixClaire Herholdt – VP Clinical Operations, LeviceptBradley Norton – VP Clinical Operations, Gylden PharmaSarah Whalley – Director Clinical Operations, Uploid BiotechnologiesDeirdre Flaherty – VP Product Strategy & Clinical Operations, Alchemab TherapeuticsJulia Vassiliadou – VP Clinical Operations, F2GEpisode OverviewRecorded live at COG UK, this panel brings together senior clinical operations leaders from emerging biopharma and specialty biotech companies to share their operational realities, decision frameworks, and lessons learned in clinical trial outsourcing and CRO selection.Panelists reveal how small, lean teams evaluate CRO fit beyond price, integrating clinical operations best practices to ensure continuity, ownership, and transparency throughout the study lifecycle. The discussion examines differences in working with small- and mid-sized CROs versus the Big Five providers, including non-negotiables in vendor selection and the impact of global studies on CRO partnership decisions.Key questions addressed include:How do sponsors prioritize CRO selection criteria beyond cost?What practical signals indicate a CRO’s operational capacity, therapeutic expertise, and partnership mindset?How do sponsors manage global clinical outsourcing, regional complexity, and adapt outsourcing models for rare disease, vaccines, or novel therapeutic areas?The session offers a real-world look at study startup, site activation, patient recruitment, and the evolving landscape of sponsor, vendor collaboration, all with a focus on clinical study optimization and actionable takeaways for operations, outsourcing, and stakeholder teams.Key Moments00:01:49 – Defining the scope: clinical trial outsourcing, vendor fit, and operational efficiency00:09:18 – Key decision levers for study location and CRO selection, balancing funding, patient access, and regulatory challenges00:12:18 – Sponsor “killer questions” for CROs: assessing experience, partnership, and project de-risking00:13:29 – Site selection frameworks: the role of specialty CROs in pain and OA studies, evidence-based site/country choice00:14:43 – Global partnerships for vaccine trials: aligning CRO selection with endemic regions and collaborative partners00:17:29 – Rare disease clinical outsourcing: CRO global presence, therapeutic expertise, and sponsor oversight00:21:10 – Fitting the CRO model to novel, non-traditional clinical trial designs (e.g., IVF, women’s health)00:24:31 – Weighing small/mid-sized versus large CROs: sponsor risk, project fit, and operational agility00:27:28 – Sponsor oversight with large CROs: importance of clear communication, consistency, and global reach00:29:12 – Transparency and adaptive CRO selection across study phases and pivotal trials00:31:33 – Risk-sharing and creative contracting: milestone payments, outsourcing models, and sponsor independence00:34:34 – Panel’s “non-negotiables”: continuity, ownership, proactive risk management, and transparent relationshipsTop 3 TakeawaysDeep partnership matters more than price in CRO selection. Sponsors should prioritize operational fit, core team continuity, and shared ownership for clinical study optimization.Clinical trial outsourcing models are not one-size-fits-all. Consider therapeutic complexity, geographical spread, internal capabilities, and need for oversight when choosing between small, mid-sized, or global CROs.Early, collaborative protocol engagement with CROs reduces downstream amendments and fosters sponsor–vendor alignment, empowering teams to manage risk and accelerate delivery.Links & ResourcesThe PBC Group – Clinical Outsourcing Group eventsPhaim PharmaNeurocentrixLeviceptGylden PharmaUploid BiotechnologiesAlchemab TherapeuticsF2GQuotes“Fit when they come into the room in that bid defense means a lot. Your ability as a small team to know that you can work with this other group of people collaboratively—that partnership is built through paper as well as formal interactions.” – Deirdre Flaherty“The traditional setup of the biggest CROs… the worse your project is doing, the more money they make. If you have to add sites or amend, it translates into more cost. That’s untenable for small biotechs.” – Claire Herholdt“The non-negotiable is the core team assigned to the project. My expectation is during award, that person remains on the study throughout.” – Graeme Duncan“For rare disease, every patient counts. We needed a CRO with global presence and proven therapeutic expertise, plus strong sponsor oversight.” – Julia Vassiliadou“It’s rarely cost. What matters to our investors is how fast you can get to a value inflection—how quickly you can get data. All those factors roll into what we want in a CRO partner.” – Deirdre Flaherty-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.com-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.comCopyright 2026 The PBC Group

Gain practical strategies to de-risk clinical trial outsourcing and design more robust studies in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS), with lessons directly applicable to clinical study optimization and CRO selection.SpeakerJoab WilliamsonVP of Operations, Faron PharmaceuticalsLinkedIn: Joab WilliamsonSpecialty: Clinical trial operations, immunotherapy development, rare and high-risk oncology indicationsEpisode OverviewLive from COG UK, this episode features Joab Williamson, VP of Operations at Faron Pharmaceuticals, sharing an operational case study on trial design and outsourcing strategy for high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The session was moderated by Sverre Bengtsson with insights relevant to those involved in clinical study optimization, CRO selection, and risk mitigation in oncology trials.Drawing from a series of historical failures by leading sponsors in HR-MDS, including studies by Novartis, Takeda, and Gilead, Joab Williamson dissects why promising assets stumbled at the Phase 3 stage, and what clinical operations teams can do differently. Topics include the impact of post-trial treatment and global standard-of-care variability on overall survival endpoints, and why realistic effect sizing plus adaptive design are crucial for clinical outsourcing success.Key operational themes include designing protocols that anticipate real-world patient heterogeneity, aligning geography and eligibility criteria to de-risk outsourcing initiatives, and embedding a pre-mortem approach during early protocol development. For clinical research professionals focused on clinical trial outsourcing, vendor management, and CRO partnerships, the discussion offers actionable frameworks for reducing failure risk and optimizing trial delivery.Key Moments00:02:05 – Joab Williamson outlines Faron’s clinical-stage focus and unique challenges in HR-MDS trial execution00:04:17 – Review of repeated industry failures by large sponsors, and how small biotechs can lead by learning from these in outsourcing contexts00:05:10 – Why post-trial treatment switching flattens survival signals and requires careful protocol design for accurate CRO performance metrics00:08:09 – The operational risk of “all-comer” Phase 3 studies and how poor eligibility criteria complicate CRO selection and site management00:09:06 – Managing global trial execution challenges: how regional standard-of-care differences impact clinical outsourcing outcomes00:10:07 – Adaptive trial designs for incremental gains: why better statistical planning can rescue studies often lost to underpowered sample sizes00:11:25 – The critical role of eligibility criteria in optimizing clinical study results and operational feasibility00:13:02 – Being realistic about effect size and aligning Phase 3 expectations with Phase 1/2 outcomes to mitigate outsourcing and CRO delivery risk00:14:16 – Leveraging biomarker stratification and operational controls to increase audit-readiness and consistency across outsourced studies00:18:03 – Practical steps for embedding a pre-mortem analysis into early outsourcing and protocol design phasesTop 3 TakeawaysPrioritize Realistic Effect Sizing: Don’t overestimate Phase 3 outcomes based on early data, size trials and set outsourcing expectations using conservative, data-driven assumptions and iterative analysis.Embed Pre-Mortem Reviews in Outsourcing Workflows: Systematically review past failures to guide protocol and vendor selection, reducing repeat errors and optimizing clinical study outcomes with new or existing CROs.Control Patient and Geographic Variables: Tighten eligibility criteria and align region/site selection with Phase 1/2 success to avoid operational pitfalls and ensure consistent execution across clinical outsourcing partners.Links & ResourcesThe PBC Group – COG Event Series: Agendas, blog, and further clinical operations contentFaron PharmaceuticalsPeer-Reviewed Analysis (Faron with Yale): Published findings on clinical trial design in HR-MDSQuotes“Look at every single past failure in your indication. When you collect them, you see clear patterns, both in sponsor strategy and in trial design decisions that also directly impact CRO selection and outsourcing outcomes.”- Joab Williamson“A full label isn’t as valuable as a successful trial. Trying to do everything in one study often introduces risk and dilutes clinical operations best practices.”- Joab Williamson“A resizing event in the middle of a Phase 3 allows you to build for success, especially when you’re uncertain of treatment effect or resourcing with an external partner.”- Joab Williamson“There’s a graveyard in high-risk MDS. But if you’re operationally rigorous and realistic in the assumptions you send out to your CROs, it is possible to win.”- Joab Williamson“Designing trials for predictable, incremental gains, with protocol features such as adaptive design and hierarchy of endpoints, delivers both clinical and outsourcing resilience.” - Joab Williamson-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.com-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.comCopyright 2026 The PBC Group

Discover how early engagement with key opinion leaders transforms clinical trial outsourcing decisions, reduces program risk, and optimizes clinical operations for higher-impact trial outcomes.GuestThierry Schulmann, Senior Director, Medical Affairs Strategy, Sumitomo Pharma (LinkedIn)Episode OverviewThis episode—recorded live at COG Europe—features Thierry Schulmann, Senior Director, Medical Affairs Strategy at Sumitomo Pharma, in a highly practical session focused on the operational value of engaging key opinion leaders (KOLs) early in clinical research.Listeners will gain a clear framework for involving KOLs at each stage of clinical trial outsourcing, from initial design and feasibility to trial execution and market access. Drawing from real-world case studies, Thierry Schulmann illustrates how underestimating KOL input can lead to misalignment on endpoints, failed market launches, or unmet regulatory expectations—even in otherwise well-executed trials.The discussion covers:Why CRO selection should account for KOL expertise and therapeutic alignmentHow to use KOL engagement to build patient-centered protocols and enhance feasibility, recruitment, and retentionThe impact of KOLs on regulatory strategy, payer acceptance, guideline inclusion, and real-world implementationFor clinical operations professionals, outsourcing leads, and vendor managers, the episode provides actionable strategies to protect trial value, avoid program pitfalls, and ensure the commercial relevance of new therapies through smarter stakeholder engagement and clinical study optimization.Key Moments00:02:10 – Framing the risks: Why approved products still fail to launch due to misaligned trial endpoints and weak stakeholder input00:03:13 – Case study: The commercial impact of not localizing active comparators for European market expectations00:04:58 – Why strategic KOL engagement is a form of "outsourcing" critical expertise beyond CRO selection00:07:13 – Clinical operations best practice: Focusing on endpoints that drive real-world adoption, not just statistical significance00:09:28 – Bridging gaps: KOLs as operational connectors between academic protocols, regulatory requirements, and patient needs00:10:40 – Regulatory navigation: How global KOL networks inform region-specific trial design and submission strategies00:13:19 – Leveraging KOL and patient group relationships for evidence generation in rare and serious diseases00:14:47 – Ensuring real-world effectiveness: The role of KOLs in validating trial design beyond controlled settings00:18:30 – Lessons learned: When missed KOL input on comparator choice, unmet need assessment, or side effect profiles led to program failures00:21:36 – When to engage KOLs: Practical recommendations for biotech and pharma, starting as early as Phase 1Top 3 TakeawaysProactive KOL engagement in early trial design is essential for successful clinical trial outsourcing and market access—don't wait until later phases to bring real-world and regulatory perspectives into protocol development.Aligning clinical study endpoints and comparators with both therapeutic practice and payer requirements optimizes trial relevance and supports smoother regulatory acceptance—a key consideration in clinical operations best practices and CRO selection.Building cross-functional collaboration with KOLs bridges gaps among sponsors, CROs, patient groups, and regulatory bodies, minimizing risk of costly rework and maximizing the practical value of clinical study optimization.Quotes"Making a study without launching it in the markets doesn’t make sense. Involve key opinion leaders early to ensure you’re not just building a study for science, but for real patient impact." — Thierry Schulmann"Endpoints matter, but they must be clinically relevant. KOLs help ensure that what is statistically significant is also meaningful for adoption and payer acceptance." — Thierry Schulmann"KOLs are not just scientific advisors—they bridge patient, regulatory, and market realities with sponsor strategy, reducing the risk of misaligned or commercially unviable trials." — Thierry Schulmann"The reason products don’t launch isn’t always technical failure—it’s often weak alignment to the actual unmet need, pricing pressure, or irrelevance to local practice. KOL insight is the antidote." — Thierry Schulmann"If you have a product, even in Phase 1, you should start discussing with KOLs. Don’t wait—disease awareness and unmet need education set the foundation for successful trial and market outcomes." — Thierry Schulmann-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.comCopyright 2026 The PBC Group

Discover operational strategies to move beyond traditional clinical trial outsourcing—learn how the clinical mesh approach can optimize study speed, oversight, and cost efficiency for today’s clinical operations leaders.GuestMaria Expósito Lorido (LinkedIn)Venture Partner, Vu Venture PartnersExtensive experience in clinical development, clinical trial outsourcing, and operational leadership within pharma/biotechEpisode OverviewThis live session from COG Europe in Amsterdam features Maria Expósito Lorido, a leading venture partner with hands-on experience designing and implementing innovative clinical outsourcing strategies. Maria offers a compelling presentation shifting the conversation from conventional CRO selection and outsourcing models to a new paradigm: sponsor-led orchestration through the clinical mesh playbook.Listeners gain practical guidance on clinical operations best practices by contrasting traditional outsourcing with platform and ecosystem-based models. Maria reveals why most studies fall short on recruitment, what it costs, and how an orchestrated mesh of specialized partners can reduce delays and increase value for sponsors and patients alike.Specific areas covered include how to tailor sourcing architecture to your study’s needs, which operational components to retain or externalize, and ways to apply clinical study optimization principles for faster, more flexible trial delivery. The episode also addresses implementation steps, measurable KPIs, and critical sponsor responsibilities in this emerging model.Ideal for clinical operations, outsourcing managers, and vendor strategy professionals seeking to future-proof their approach to CRO selection and clinical trial outsourcing.Key Moments00:03:00 – Why 80% of clinical studies miss recruitment targets and the financial impact of delays00:05:00 – Comparing small, agile biotech teams vs large pharma R&D models for clinical trial delivery00:06:55 – The Nvidia platform analogy: platform business models vs linear development pipelines00:07:10 – Introduction to the “clinical mesh” model: moving from fixed structures to reconfigurable networks00:08:33 – Three sourcing architecture types—full-service CRO, functional service provider, and clinical mesh—and when each works best00:11:23 – Governance challenges and sponsor responsibilities under the mesh model00:14:04 – Early-stage oncology case study: cost, timelines, and screen failure rate compared across outsourcing models00:16:27 – Quality management, risk, and safety oversight: what sponsors must own when orchestrating a clinical mesh00:18:57 – KPIs for clinical study optimization: measuring cost per qualified patient, time to first contact, and more00:19:43 – 90-day roadmap for piloting a clinical mesh approach with stepwise best practicesTop 3 TakeawaysOrchestrate, don’t just outsource: Sponsors retain strategy, quality, and data oversight even when leveraging a network of specialized vendors—this increases flexibility and operational control compared to traditional outsourcing.Match sourcing architecture to study needs: Evaluate each study to determine the best-fitting sourcing model (full-service CRO, hybrid/FSP, or clinical mesh), rather than defaulting to a single approach for all trials.Pilot and measure for impact: Implement outcome-based KPIs (e.g., cost per qualified patient, time to last patient in) and compare mesh-driven pilots to traditional models for real-world evidence of clinical operations best practices.Links & ResourcesThe PBC Group — COG Review Podcast & EventsLinkedIn: Maria Expósito LoridoQuotes“Instead of asking which CRO to use, we should define the right sourcing architecture based on the study’s maturity and needs.” — Maria Expósito Lorido“This is a wake-up call. The value lies in building platforms and ecosystems, not just pipelines.” — Maria Expósito Lorido“In the mesh model, sponsors own quality management, integrated risk plans, and data integrity—it’s orchestration, not abdication.” — Maria Expósito Lorido“You don’t need a revolution, just a well-designed first pilot. Start small; scale what works.” — Maria Expósito Lorido“The future belongs to platform thinking. The winners will be those who can compose the right ecosystem for each study.” — Maria Expósito Lorido-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.comCopyright 2026 The PBC Group

Pipeline Strategy: Balancing Science, Feasibility, and ROI in Clinical Development DecisionsWhat does it take to make confident, cross-functional pipeline decisions that drive approval speed and sustainable value for companies in today’s clinical research landscape?Moderated by Emily Roberts-Thomson, Development Operations LeaderFeaturing:• Raj Patel, Chief Operating Officer, ReacX Pharmaceuticals• Nikhil Dube, Lifecycle Management Strategy Lead, Biogen• Mukhtar Ahmed, Director, Project and Portfolio Strategy, Greenstone BiosciencesRecorded live at COG Bay Area, this panel brings together senior voices from leading biotech and pharma organizations to tackle the realities of pipeline prioritization and clinical operations best practices. Moderated by Emily Roberts-Thomson, the discussion centers on actionable frameworks and leadership judgment required for effective clinical trial outsourcing, CRO selection, and cross-functional portfolio management.The panelists break down how organizations decide which programs to advance, weighing scientific potential against development feasibility, market factors, risk, and resource constraints. They candidly explore trade-offs inherent to outsourcing strategies, clinical study optimization, and how changes in ROI, timelines, or operational setbacks impact pipeline decisions.Essential listening for clinical operations leaders, outsourcing specialists, and study owners, the episode delivers practical insights on moving from scientific conviction to commercial success—and ensuring alignment across sponsors, CRO partners, and governance bodies in a rapidly shifting environment for clinical trial outsourcing.Key topics include:Balancing science, feasibility, and business drivers in pipeline advancement decisionsManaging cross-functional alignment across R&D, clinical operations, and commercial teams for better governanceThe critical role of financing, investor expectations, and real-world feasibility in CRO selection and vendor managementKey Moments00:03:20 – Emily Roberts-Thomson frames the multifactor decision: “It’s never just about how good the science is. It’s about feasibility, market dynamics, and resource allocation.”00:04:00 – Raj Patel outlines a practical pipeline selection matrix: fastest to approval, least cost, minimal risk—plus the real-world influence of boardroom priorities and investor interests.00:05:00 – Nikhil Dube shares a three-pronged approach: scientific value, clinical development feasibility, and commercial opportunity—all critical for clinical study optimization and vendor selection frameworks.00:06:37 – Mukhtar Ahmed describes a hybrid model leveraging academic depth and operational agility, focusing on robust human data and milestone-driven inflection points for outsourcing viability.00:08:02 – Panel debate: How companies trade off first-in-class scientific programs against downstream commercial opportunity when making outsourcing or CRO selection decisions.00:13:28 – Emily Roberts-Thomson and Raj Patel candidly discuss the reality of reprioritizing clinical studies based on changing business needs and operational feasibility—impacting CRO and vendor engagement.00:14:29 – Achieving cross-functional consensus: Lessons from balancing scientific advocacy, operational feasibility, and business priorities in pipeline governance.00:17:05 – Raj Patel on how investors and shifting market landscapes dictate which programs move forward—and how funding realities drive clinical outsourcing strategies.00:19:13 – Nikhil Dube unpacks how project leads in large pharma orchestrate collaboration across research, development, commercial, and outsourcing teams for better governance and vendor alignment.00:22:56 – Mukhtar Ahmed on the importance of transparent, all-hands communication and real-world feasibility checks with KOLs and clinical trial site experts when planning outsourcing for early-phase studies.Top 3 TakeawaysBalance Science and Feasibility with Business RealitiesEven the most promising science requires practical validation against operational costs, study feasibility, and commercialization potential—crucial for smart clinical trial outsourcing and CRO selection.Cross-Functional Collaboration Drives SuccessEarly, transparent input from R&D, clinical operations, and commercial leaders creates alignment and sets up clinical operations best practices for study optimization and outsourcing partnerships.Investor and Market Pressures Shape Pipeline and Outsourcing ChoicesShifts in funding, risk tolerance, and evolving market needs can upend study priorities—requiring agile, milestone-based approaches and robust clinical outsourcing governance.Links & ResourcesClinical Outsourcing Group (COG) Events – https://thepbcgroup.com/cog-eventsBiogen – https://www.biogen.comGreenstone Biosciences – https://greenstonebio.comReacX Pharmaceuticals – https://reacxpharma.com/National Institute on Drug Abuse – https://nida.nih.govQuotes“It’s never just about how good the science is. It’s about balancing the potential with feasibility, market dynamics, and resource allocation.” – Emily Roberts-Thomson“You have to make some tough decisions… which product will give you the fastest approval, for the least money, with minimal risk.” – Raj Patel“Every company uses the same three pillars: scientific conviction, development feasibility, and commercial opportunity.” – Nikhil Dube“If you don’t have the funds, you might have the best science, but you’re not going to get anywhere.” – Raj Patel“We try to always come back to how quickly we can get human-relevant data, early on. That’s what drives both scientific confidence and investor capital.” – Mukhtar Ahmed“Cross-functional alignment is near and dear… silos have no place in small biotech.” – Mukhtar Ahmed-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.comCopyright 2026 The PBC Group

Embedding the Patient Voice: Best Practices for Patient Engagement in Clinical Trial OutsourcingDiscover how integrating meaningful patient engagement strategies throughout clinical trial outsourcing can drive study optimization, reduce recruitment delays, and create more inclusive, effective clinical research.GuestLisa LeaDirector of Patient Insights, MerckOver 20 years of biotech and clinical expertiseSpecialist in pulmonary arterial hypertension and patient-centered trial designLinkedInEpisode OverviewThis episode, recorded live at COG Bay Area, features Lisa Lea, Director of Patient Insights at Merck, sharing actionable frameworks for incorporating real patient perspectives into every stage of clinical trial outsourcing and operations. In a session tailored to trial sponsors, CROs, and operational leaders, Lisa Lea draws on two decades of industry and clinical site experience to address the operational and strategic value of authentic patient engagement.You'll gain a grounded perspective on how early, frequent patient input enhances CRO selection and clinical study optimization. From adjusting inclusion criteria and endpoint selection to reducing recruitment challenges and addressing protocol burdens, learn how patient-centered approaches create efficiencies and improve outcomes across the outsourced trial lifecycle.Key topics include:The regulatory evolution of patient engagement, with lessons for clinical outsourcing modelsOperational benefits, such as fewer delays and more relevant data through improved trial designPractical methods for embedding patient voice in trial protocols and vendor collaborationThis session offers both strategic guidance and frontline examples you can apply to clinical operations best practices, CRO selection, and effective sponsor–CRO–patient partnerships.Key Moments00:02:45 – Defining “patient engagement” and why it matters for clinical trial operations00:03:59 – The real-world operational risks of omitting patient voice: recruitment shortfalls and study delays00:06:55 – Historical drivers: How patient advocacy reshaped regulatory expectations and clinical outsourcing approaches00:08:08 – Balancing patient risk–benefit preferences in protocol and CRO/vendor collaboration00:09:07 – Impact of patient engagement on diverse recruitment, site selection, and CRO performance00:10:42 – Actionable steps: Where and how to embed patient insights in the clinical development and outsourcing pathway00:13:03 – Real example: Protocol design oversights leading to lost sites, and learnings for sponsor–CRO study teams00:14:40 – Participants’ desire for real influence, not token feedback—building feedback loops for operational improvement00:16:09 – Key regulatory guidances and industry resources for patient-centric trial design and clinical outsourcing decisions00:17:15 – Overcoming practical barriers: Internal advocacy, framework creation, and pilot programs for patient engagementTop 3 TakeawaysEarly and frequent patient input—starting before CRO selection—can preempt recruitment failures and reduce costly protocol amendments, directly supporting clinical study optimization.Establishing structured patient engagement frameworks and closing the feedback loop with trial participants strengthens sponsor–CRO collaboration and drives operational excellence.Prioritizing patient-relevant endpoints and burden reduction creates more diverse, successful trials—delivering greater value to sponsors, CROs, and, most importantly, patients.Links & Resources:The PBC Group: https://thepbcgroup.comEUPATI (European Patients’ Academy): https://www.eupati.euFDA Patient-Focused Drug Development Guidance: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/fda-patient-focused-drug-development-guidance-series-enhancing-incorporation-patients-voice-medicalDIA Patient Engagement e-Learning: https://www.diaglobal.org/en/course-listing#Quotes:“Clinical trials are ultimately about people. If the design, conduct, and measurement don’t resonate with patients, participation and retention—as well as the relevance of the trial—really pay a price.” – Lisa Lea“Engaging with patients early and often is really going to help the process and improve your clinical trials. It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s more and more a need-to-have.” – Lisa Lea“There’s about 80% of clinical trials that fail to meet their recruitment goals. A lot of that can be attributed to patient burden—something we can address through stronger engagement.” – Lisa Lea“Patients do not want to feel like they’re checking a box. They want to feel like their input is valued. So providing some sort of feedback loop is key.” – Lisa Lea“To do clinical outsourcing well, incorporating the patient voice is crucial—not just possible.” – Lisa Lea-----------Further content and agendas: hhttps://thepbcgroup.comCopyright 2026 The PBC Group

Better trials. Fewer delays. Improved outcomes.  The COG Review: Building Better Clinical Studies brings you the strongest sessions from the COG meeting series, recorded on site and selected for what helps teams move now. Senior leaders, study owners, and problem solvers share what works so effective treatments reach patients sooner.  What you will hear across the season:Study design and feasibilityStart-up speedCountry and site activationPatient recruitment and retentionSite partnerships and vendor collaborationData quality and inspection readinessLeadership choices that move the needle  If you work in clinical operations or outsourcing, and you own delivery targets, this is built for you. Episodes run around 25 minutes and focus on insights you can use right away.  Follow The COG Review: Building Better Clinical Studies in your podcast app. Learn more by heading to thepbcgroup.com.