The Vistatec Life Sciences team proudly joined over 4,500 clinical operations professionals at the SCOPE Summit 2025 in Orlando. SCOPE is a key event for clinical research leaders and experts, and this year’s conversations brought an insightful mix of topics.
Here are the key themes we took away from the event and what they mean for sponsors, CROs, and life sciences companies operating in global clinical trials.
1. Regulatory Uncertainty is Disrupting Long-Term Planning
Regulatory concerns were impossible to ignore this year. The new US administration’s early actions have created ripples across the clinical research landscape. Updates from the FDA and NIH, along with the potential rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, sparked concern among attendees.
Many in the industry agree that DEI efforts improve clinical data quality and patient safety by ensuring trials reflect the diverse populations that treatments will ultimately serve. Sponsors with multinational trials are closely watching how this will play out.
At Vistatec Life Sciences, we believe that patient diversity is more than a compliance box to check; it’s simply good science. Supporting clients in reaching underrepresented populations, across both languages and cultures will remain a core focus for us.
2. AI Is Moving from Buzzword to Business as Usual
Generative AI is being integrated across the clinical trial lifecycle. The examples on display at SCOPE felt more tangible this year. AI-driven tools are shaping trial design and optimizing patient selection and site engagement.
One particular standout was the use of AI in adaptive trial design, allowing studies to adjust in real-time based on patient data, rather than waiting for months-long interim analyses.
However, there’s still a healthy dose of caution. Life sciences is, by nature, a risk-averse industry. Organizations are embracing AI for productivity, but human oversight will always be critical when patient safety is at stake.
3. Real-World Evidence is No Longer ‘Next,’ It’s Now
Over the past few years, we’ve heard the buzz around real-world evidence (RWE). This year felt different: less curiosity, more action. Sponsors that embrace RWE early can quickly gain insights into patient outcomes and potential safety signals. This gives them an edge in trial efficiency and long-term product success.
For global sponsors, this comes with a localization challenge. Patient-reported data, medical records, and real-world insights don’t always come in English. We’re working closely with clients to ensure their RWE collection methods are language-inclusive from the start rather than scrambling to translate data after the fact.
4. Wearable Tech and Patient Platforms
The shift toward decentralized clinical trials is continuing. This is driven by patient convenience and technological advancements. Wearable devices and remote monitoring platforms are helping sponsors capture richer, real-time patient data.
But technology alone isn’t the answer, as adoption depends on trust and ease of use. If a patient can’t understand how to navigate a remote trial platform or if wearable data prompts are confusing, adherence drops.
What’s Next for 2025
Experiencing this year’s SCOPE, one thing is clear: the future of clinical research will be patient-first and tech-enabled. Success will require global inclusivity and local understanding.
At Vistatec Life Sciences, we’re proud to support sponsors and CROs in navigating this landscape. Contact us today to discuss how we can help support your needs.
Interested in learning more?
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