Impact of COVID-19 on Clinical Trials

The social-distancing restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the redirection of hospital resources, may pose extensive burdens on clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have issued new guidance for sponsors to continue research while protecting patients and healthcare workers. In addition to adjusting trial protocols to continue research, it’s also important to consider ways in which manufacturers’ relationships (with trial sites and patients) can be buttressed, groundwork can be laid for future trials, and public education can help build the reputation of pharmaceutical brands and the industry as a whole.