Adaptive platform trials
Innovative research methods for real-life challenges.
Learn more about adaptive platform trial designs, and how this type of research is supporting the global fight against COVID-19.
Research takes time, but we can do it more efficiently.
Clinical trials are rooted in rigorous research, which involve strict controls and repeated measurements. Not surprisingly, this takes time and money, and rightfully so, given the risks.
Typically, health research involves people being assigned to either experimental groups, where they receive the treatment under investigation, or control groups where they do not. By observing how hundreds, or even thousands of people respond to the experimental therapy, when compared to those who do not receive it, conclusions are drawn about safety and effectiveness.
The TOGETHER Trial is using a new type of research strategy, called adaptive platform trials. Adaptive platform trials are an effective research strategy when investigating multiple treatments for the same condition, such as COVID-19. Some of the features of adaptive platform trials that make it unique include:
Reviewing data as it emerges from the study in real-time, rather than waiting until the end of the trial.
Responding to emerging trial data sooner, which allows investigators to make the trial safer for participants.
Adaptive platform trials are able to test multiple treatments against a condition at the same time, and using only one control group.
Trials for specific treatments can be stopped sooner, if the data suggests that they are not working, or working very well. This saves both valuable time and money.
These efficiencies lead to the faster development and approval of new treatments, especially when every single day matters.