One of the biggest issues facing the recruiting of patients into clinical trials is that of lack of awareness that trials exist.

I think the industry has really missed a trick over the last few years, as throughout 2020 the whole world knew there were clinical trials taking place – for Covid vaccines. Capitalizing on that extreme amount of awareness should have been something we could do to keep up the momentum and make people aware that there are trials for all manner of diseases and conditions, as well as those related to a global pandemic.

I’m certainly hoping there isn’t another Covid-style event on the horizon. But I’d love to see primary care physicians taking more of a lead to encourage their patients to investigate trials they may qualify for – with doctors obviously being in the position of trusted advisor who should also be best-placed to understand eligibility criteria and be able to explain what’s involved in trial participation.