Digital 1st CRO Model: Validcare at the September GLSA | FOCM Networking Event
The GLSA | FOCM Networking Event on September 21, 2022, featured a compelling presentation from Patrick McCarthy and Steve Galen of Validcare on the Digital 1st CRO model and why it represents a meaningful shift in how clinical trials are conducted.
Advances in technology, combined with the industry’s rapid adoption of remote workflows during COVID-19, have made this model not only possible—but operational today. Validcare is leading this transformation.
Why the Digital 1st CRO Model Matters
The speakers addressed a reality many sponsors and CROs experience daily: the traditional clinical trial model is broken.
While decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) improve patient access and engagement, they often function as costly add-ons. Importantly, DCTs do not resolve core issues such as inefficient data management, staffing complexity, or fragmented software systems.
In contrast, the Digital 1st CRO model directly addresses these challenges by rethinking trial execution from the ground up.
How Validcare Reengineered the CRO Model
Validcare’s approach succeeds where decentralized trials fall short. Their platform places the entire clinical study into a single cloud-based environment, eliminating silos and improving operational efficiency.
Built by experienced industry professionals, the platform was intentionally designed outside the constraints of legacy CRO systems. As a result, it delivers predictable timelines and costs—ending the cycle of low-ball proposals followed by costly change orders after study start-up.
Core Principles of the Digital 1st CRO Platform
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Transparency
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High performance
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Low maintenance
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Turn-key execution
Industry Discussion and Conference Outlook
As expected, the conversation expanded beyond the presentation. Attendees discussed the busy fall conference schedule, signaling a full return to in-person events, including:
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DPharm
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SCDM
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OCT New England
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CNS Summit
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MAGI West
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CTS East Coast
Additionally, Andrew Mulchinski of Symbio Research shared that his organization has not fully transitioned to decentralized trials. This prompted a broader discussion on post-pandemic hybrid study models and the ongoing evolution of trial operations.
Looking Ahead
The discussion reinforced a shared industry goal: improving patients’ lives globally through smarter, more efficient clinical research.
If you are interested in presenting an educational life sciences topic at a future GLSA event, please leave a comment or reach out—we welcome new voices and perspectives.
Attendees
(First-time attendees in bold)
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Julia Love, CEO — Love Contracts
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Candy Dupree, National Sales Director — AdamsBridge Global
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Himanshu Desai, Global Head PV QA — Novartis
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Mike O’Gorman, CEO — Life Science Marketplace
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Mindy Bertram, Owner — CMB Consultants
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Andrew Mulchinski, Business Development — Symbio Research
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Wayne Whittingham, Vice President, Regulatory — Cardio Pharma
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Duncan Shaw, CEO — DTS Language Services
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Katherine Cloninger, Senior Director, Brand Marketing — Parexel
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Ravi Luthra, Clinical Research Coordinator
GLSA Team
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Chris Matheus
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Joe Buser
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Holly Cliffe
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Denise McNerney
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Sally Haller
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Hannah Lloyd
A few screenshots are below:
About GLSA
Global Life Sciences Alliance (GLSA) connects biotechs, pharma, CROs, and clinical research sites with the right experts, advisors, and solutions to accelerate development and reduce risk. With a network of more than 200 trusted partners spanning pre-clinical and clinical research, GLSA offers flexible, cost-effective access to specialized expertise and services that support early-stage biotechs, mid-size pharma, and global pharmaceutical companies.
When you need trusted, global resources to accelerate your research, GLSA helps you scale smarter and move you forward with confidence.
To learn how GLSA can support your organization, connect with Denise McNerney or Chris Matheus for a conversation about your goals and challenges.