Use of AI in UK clinical trials key to attracting large-scale studies

By April Lara

July 18, 2024

AI in pharma

The UK’s position in global clinical trial rankings has seen improvements, but more needs to be done to attract large commercial clinical trials that will benefit most patients and bring income to the NHS.

In 2023, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) reports that the total number of industry clinical trials initiated in the UK every year rose marginally by 4.3% from 384 trials in 2011 to 411 in 2022. There has also been a moderate increase of 15% in annual recruitment to industry clinical trials.

The slowdown stems from many stages of clinical trials, such as the approval and patient enrollments. There is so much data to sift through, yet a lack of streamlined process exists. This is where conversations about Artificial Intelligence (AI) remain prominent.

In fact, Large Language Models (LLMs) and machine learning are increasingly being used to streamline processes, according to a study conducted by Thomson Reuters - Practical Law. AI has also been used in several clinical trials. One example is used in the identification of abaucin, in which AI was used to identify or optimise possible target molecules to take into clinical testing.

Insilico Medicine is working on a drug generated by AI, which entered Phase II last year. AI is also being used to scan patient records and help identify patients who may be eligible for a trial.

Patient selection and recruitment is a time-consuming process, yet it is critical to increase trial efficacy potential. AI has the potential to step in to find eligible participants by analysing hospital medical records and alerting clinicians and patients about clinical trial opportunities. It can also simplify complicated entry criteria and make it easier to digest to potential candidates.

This is reflected by Orr Inbar, the co-founder and CEO of QuantHealth a Tel Aviv-based AI-powered clinical trial design company. He said, “I think we’ll see probably much much better identification of patients that are relevant to trials. I think especially, by doing so predictably, so actually finding patients who will be eligible for a trial, 6 months or a year down the line, which is not happening today.”

QuantHealth has recently partnered with Accenture for its simulation platform that can predict trial outcomes with significant accuracy.

The UK's clinical trial landscape is on the rise with a modest increase in trials and recruitment, but attracting large-scale trials remains a challenge. AI offers a promising solution, with its ability to streamline approvals, identify suitable patients faster, and improve trial efficiency. By embracing this technology and fostering collaboration, the UK can solidify its position as a leader in research, benefitting both the NHS and patients.

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