PharmaTalkRadio

In this podcast, Mike Eckrote, SVP, Strategic Solutions at Advarra, talks about how artificial intelligence is being used to pull insights out of structured and unstructured data sources to help sponsors avoid protocol amendments and delays.  
More specifically, Mike discusses:  
How Advarra is leveraging past IRB data sources to identify common causes of site burden, study delays and amendments 
What questions sponsors should be asking of AI vendors, to pick the correct partner 
How sponsors have responded to the insights surfaced by this technology  
Why sponsors must adapt to a flexibility mindset in order to truly make changes with downstream impact

Tapping into research-naïve sites offers a strategic opportunity to expand patient access. That’s exactly what Endo did when faced with challenges activating sites for their orthopedic study. This case study shares how Endo enabled a new site through hands-on mentorship, infrastructure support, and trust-building— resulting in sustainable partnerships and broader patient reach.
How naïve sites can help address access and enrollment bottlenecks
How to support inexperienced sites with the right sponsor-led infrastructure
What it takes to shift internal expectations and foster lasting site partnerships
Speakers:
Carrie Lewis Executive Director, Clinical Program Optimization, Endo
Suzy Montayne Site Relationship Manager, Endo
Terry Oehler, DPM Founder & CEO, Colorado Clinical Research

AstraZeneca’s US Site Engagement Leads will share how they are reimagining sponsor-site relationships through a trust-first, high-engagement operating model that emphasizes flexibility, responsiveness, and co-creation. This session will showcase how their embedded approach to collaboration has enabled faster site activation, stronger recruitment performance, and improved data delivery—backed by real metrics and lessons learned from a three-year initiative. Key topics include:
How continuous site feedback loops and flexibility with SOPs improved startup timelines
Metrics from a recent study showing impact: 30% faster budget negotiations, 27% reduced activation times, 68% of recruitment from 42% of sites
Tools and tactics used to build consistency, transparency, and trust across studies
Lessons learned and how the program has scaled globally
Speakers:
Shannon Edwards Site Engagement Lead, AstraZeneca
Tina Nghiem Site Engagement Lead, AstraZeneca

A case study highlighting how Eli Lilly partnered with clinical sites to co-design practical, site-centric solutions that enhanced trial execution and operational efficiency.

Fireside Guest: Shafaat Ali Khan Clinical Research Lead (CRL) Director – Investigator Engagement, Eli Lilly & Co
Moderator: Jyoti Angal, PhD Director, Clinical Research, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center