Industry, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and clinicians showcased themselves to each other

With an increasing number of pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials in collaboration with CROs, the event provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders – including hospitals, CROS and industry professionals – to meet and share insights. The event was organized by Inven2, NorTrials, Helse Vest, Helse Midt-Norge, and CRO companies IQVIA, Smerud Medical Research and PPD, and the event featured a packed four-hour program with a total of 18 speakers.

Photo: Eline Feiring

"Today, we have  representatives from over 40 CROs and pharmaceutical companies, 8 hospitals, health clusters, and universities. By bringing everyone together and listening to the different perspectives, we aim to highlight Norway's strenghts in clinical trials and better understand what  hospitals are expected to deliver from from the industry's and CROs' point of view," said Signe Øien Fretland, head of NorTrials' coordinating unit.

Many of the trials submitted to NorTrials' feasibility portal are submitted by CROs.

Photo: Eline Feiring

Throughout the day, around 80 participants heard about the following topics:

• Status of the revision of the National Action Plan for Clinical Trials
• Experiences with the new regulation (CTR)
• Success criteria for achieving success in clinical trials
• Research in primary healthcare
• Innovative research in neurology using AI
• Health data and opportunities for extraction
• The role of hospital pharmacies in clinical trials
• Applications for metabolomics
• Use of decentralized methods in clinical trials
• Infrastructure for pediatric clinical trials
• Funding for research
• Scandinavian CRO associations
• The industry's perspective on Norway and opportunities to attract more clinical trials

Among the speakers was Chris Ball, Biotech Client Partner at IQVIA, who shared insights on how Norway can attract more clinical trials.  

Photo: Eline Feiring

"What does a CRO want, and what can Norway offer them?” he asked. “As fewver trials are being  conducted in Western Europe while many are shifting to the USA and China, its important to identify Norways competitive edge. Focus on areas where Norway is strong – where there is unmet need and potential for innovative clinical trails designs. That’s how you catch the attention of CROs and the industry.”

He emphasized the importantance of streamline processes by simplifying feasibility assessments, identifying potential patients, locating relevant patients, and determining whether the study is suitable for the Norwegian patient population. Additionally, having a unified process for handling trials contracts is essential - “How can Norawy become the country where these processes are easiest? For both biotech companies and large pharmaceutical companies, time is critical – both how quickly they can start a trial and how quickly they can complete it. The one who gets out of the starting blocks first has the greatest advantage. There is significant focus on drug development within oncology, neurology, immunology, and cardiology; however, there are constant changes in industry focus areas. So you must think: 'Where can Norway win?'" said Chris Ball.

Signe Øien Fretland expressed satisfaction with both the interest shown and the execution of the informational meeting.

"The strong interest in this meeting shows that Norway is on many sponsors' and CROs' radar. I think we presented ourselves well with so many impressive presentations about what we can offer here. We also take away that we need to identify and further develop our strengths to compete internationally in attracting clinical trials to our country," said Fretland.