In September 2023, CTTI launched the Measuring Trials Transformation (MTT) Project to track progress toward CTTI’s Transforming Trials 2030 (TT2030) vision. Introduced in 2021, this vision outlines how clinical trials should evolve by 2030 to become more efficient and inclusive, focusing on five key pillars: patient-centeredness, integration with health processes, trials designed with a quality approach, data-driven approaches, and improving population health. To measure progress toward these goals, the MTT project created the Metrics Framework, a parsimonious set of metrics that correspond to key domains of progress within each of the TT2030 pillars. This framework is designed to assess the transformation of clinical trials by creating specific benchmarks for understanding the state of clinical trials both today and in the future.  

Since its launch, CTTI’s Measuring Trials Transformation team has made significant progress in refining the Metrics Framework by reviewing more than 100 public comments and incorporating feedback to improve the set of metrics. From the broader Framework, the team identified nine high-priority metrics to focus on for data collection and analysis. The team is currently analyzing original trial documentation from CTTI’s AACT database of Phase 3 interventional trials conducted at U.S. sites between 2018 and 2024 to be able to answer key metrics.

Kelly Avery, MTT Project Team Leader and Operations Administrator for Research at Mayo Clinic, said, “The MTT project at CTTI is focused on moving us into the future. We’re striving to truly understand the ‘state of clinical trials, and to do that, we must first establish a baseline. By creating this baseline, we’ll gain the clarity needed to guide our next steps and drive meaningful progress.”

To support the successful execution of the project, CTTI has partnered with ClinConnect, a patient advocacy platform with valuable expertise in clinical trial analysis. ClinConnect developed best-in-class technology to manage and promote a searchable database for patients and caregivers, making it simple and straightforward for everyone to understand the totality of their clinical trial options.   

Robert Maxwell, Founder of ClinConnect, highlighted the value of the collaboration, saying, “Working with the MTT team has been a highly rewarding experience. We’re aligned on the key challenges and moved by the progress we’ve made. The ClinConnect team thrives when we’re given the freedom and trust to address these issues head-on, and the MTT team has been excellent here. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and making a lasting impact for patients worldwide.”  

CTTI deeply appreciates ClinConnect’s partnership and the invaluable insights they have shared, which have been instrumental in driving the success of this project. CTTI also extends our appreciation to the MTT Project Team, whose ongoing dedication and expertise are essential to the success of this effort. 

Looking ahead, CTTI plans to release the full Metrics Framework and initial findings on our website. These findings will serve as an important reference for discussions at the inaugural State of Clinical Trials: Charting the Path Forward meeting on May 22, 2025.  

CTTI is eager to continue this vital work and engage in meaningful conversations that will help shape the future of clinical trials.