Merck and Sarah Cannon Research Institute Partner to Boost Access to Cancer Clinical Trials

Leading oncology research organization Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) has partnered with pharmaceutical giant Merck to expand access to cancer clinical trials. The collaboration aims to streamline trial operations using SCRI's Accelero delivery model, which has already shown promising results in improving speed and efficiency.

The Accelero model uses a streamlined operating model to improve the speed and efficiency of oncology drug development. This includes accelerated site start-up, increased enrollment on high-priority studies, and EHR-to-EDC data transfer across portfolios. With select industry partners, Accelero has delivered site activations up to 50 percent faster than traditional operations, enrollment rates 19 percent higher than the 7 percent national average, and 95 percent fewer data changes.

SCRI's CEO Dee Anna Smith said, 'Merck has helped shape the modern era of cancer treatment, and we share a commitment to advance the next generation of cancer medicines through innovative approaches.' Jennifer Coppola, Associate Vice President and Regional Head for Global Clinical Trial Operations of North America at Merck Research Laboratories, added, 'By leveraging the Accelero delivery model, we have the potential to reach patients faster, reduce protocol complexity, and make oncology clinical studies more accessible in the communities where patients live.'