Site Networks in Clinical Trials - ISR Market Research

Site networks are becoming a more established part of clinical trial planning. As sponsors, CROs, and sites look for greater operational efficiency and faster site and patient recruitment, site networks are playing a larger role in how trials are managed. The bigger question now is not whether site networks matter, but which capabilities sponsors value most and how providers can differentiate themselves as adoption grows.

Site network adoption is becoming standard practice

Site networks are already part of mainstream trial planning, not something sponsors are simply testing. Three out of four sponsors in our research say they are already using site networks in at least some trials, and 92% of respondents say they are Very likely or Somewhat likely to consider using site networks to recruit sites for upcoming trials. These findings suggest the model is becoming a standard part of how sponsors approach site selection and trial execution.

What sponsors value most in a site network

What sponsors seem to value most in a site network is better execution. Nearly one-third of respondents (30%) said, assuming therapeutic expertise / access to patient population is a given, that a Streamlined start-up process from standardized templates, contracts, regulatory documents is the most important site network selection attribute while nearly 60% place it among their top 3 most important selection attributes.

Attempting to solve site-level challenges

Respondents identified a few top pain points in working with sites: Too many competing trials at site, lack of attention/priority (26%), Poor patient recruitment processes/resources (25%), and Delays in contracting, negotiating prices/costs (19%). Site networks may not be able to reduce the number of competing trials but strive to reduce friction in the contracting and patient recruitment processes.

What this means for site network providers

Site networks are becoming a more established part of clinical development. Adoption is strong, the value proposition centers on speed and consistency, and providers can differentiate themselves by understanding the sponsor perspective and responding to it in practical ways.

Sponsors are signaling clear priorities:

Faster, standardized start-up processes
Access to qualified sites
Transparent communication and expectations

Site networks that fail to deliver on these priorities may find it harder to build lasting partnerships as sponsors and CROs continue to strive for faster and more efficient trials. For organizations that want a deeper look at how sponsors and CROs are evaluating site networks, ISR’s Site Networks Market Dynamics report offers a more complete view of the adoption trends, selection criteria, and operational challenges shaping the market. This research can help teams better understand market expectations and align their capabilities with what clients value most.

Primary market research data in this article were powered by the ISR Life Science Panel. Want to contribute to thought leadership pieces and help to make the pharma industry better? Join today.