Michel van Harten, CEO of myTomorrows, discussed the opportunities and challenges of AI in clinical trials, emphasizing its potential for cost reduction and improved inclusion. He highlighted the need for high-quality data and trust through transparency. The conversations about AI’s role also extend to the partnerships aimed at bettering global clinical practices and enhancing site engagement.
In a recent discussion with Applied Clinical Trials, Michel van Harten, MD, CEO of myTomorrows, shed some light on the current landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in clinical trials. He emphasized that AI hold great promise for the industry by reducing costs, speeding up timelines, and enhancing participant inclusion. With the growing tech landscape, AI’s role in drug discovery and efficacy predictions is anticipated to evolve significantly.
Van Harten noted, “There’s a lot of optimism, especially on the industry side.” This optimism, he explained, stems from sponsors and contract research organizations (CROs) recognizing how AI can streamline processes. He cited how AI actively aids in designing trials and protocols, identifies trial sites with diverse patient populations, and helps enroll eligible patients more quickly.
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing on the healthcare provider side. There’s hesitance, especially among those who are not early adopters of new tech. Van Harten remarked, “You must be very careful with introducing technology” in healthcare. The quality of data remains a top priority, especially when dealing with sensitive patient information. Clean, validated data is essential before AI systems can take the lead.
Transparency and explainability, he added, are vital for cultivating trust. In an environment where decisions can dramatically impact lives, the reasoning behind AI findings needs to be clear to patients and providers. MyTomorrows ensures that patients understand how conclusions are reached. They even offer the option for healthcare providers to correct AI outputs if there’s disagreement, insisting that both physicians and patients retain control of their paths toward treatment.
In further discussions in the industry, topics have emerged surrounding global good clinical practice (GCP) guidelines. On May 7, 2025, the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast hosted David Nickerson and Arlene Lee, who tackled the latest from ICH E6(R3) GCP guidelines, and highlighted how partnerships between TransCelerate and ACRO help stakeholders get up to speed.
Additionally, on April 17, 2025, Liz Beatty from Inato shared insights on enhancing site engagement. She noted that technology plays a pivotal role in enriching sponsor-site relationships while also addressing the challenges of rising operational costs in the industry.
Overall, the conversations reveal a clinical research world on the brink of significant transformation, driven by AI, collaboration, and a clear focus on trust. The balancing act between innovation and caution appears to be crucial as the sector continues to evolve pursuing enhanced patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.
In sum, the integration of AI into clinical trials is igniting a wave of optimism, though it’s not devoid of challenges. While stakeholders recognize the potential benefits in cost reduction and efficient patient engagement, issues surrounding data quality and trust remain paramount. Increasing transparency and collaboration, particularly in educating all parties on AI’s role, is essential to navigate this evolving landscape. The dialogue among industry leaders underscores a collective effort toward a brighter future in clinical research that embraces technology while prioritizing patient care.
Original Source: www.appliedclinicaltrialsonline.com
