Syneos Health and Tufts CSDD Reveal Clinical Trial Performance Depends on Operating Model Design
News related to:Syneos Health · 2 min read
MORRISVILLE, N.C., Sept. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Syneos Health, a leading biopharmaceutical solutions organization, has released findings from a groundbreaking study conducted by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development. The research, which analyzed the performance of clinical trials across 13 sponsor companies, 81 development programs, and 133 clinical trials, challenges the prevailing belief that the sourcing model, whether internal, full-service CRO, or FSP, determines the success of a clinical development project.
The study, launched in 2025, aimed to evaluate the impact of different clinical trial sourcing strategies on timelines, quality, and delivery.
Key findings from the study reveal that no single sourcing model consistently outperformed others. The research suggests that the success of a clinical trial depends more on the fit-for-purpose operating model design, effective collaboration, and the ability to manage increasing vendor complexity.
Michael Brooks, Chief Operating Officer at Syneos Health, emphasized the importance of rethinking operating models as a strategic lever for next-generation drug development. "Agile drug development is where the industry has to go next. As science becomes more precise, timelines continue to compress, and evidence expectations evolve, sponsors need fit-for-purpose operating models that can change with the work," he said.
The study also highlighted the potential risks associated with a greater number of service providers.
Syneos Health is encouraging sponsors to rethink their operating models to achieve better performance in clinical development.
The research comes at a time when clinical development is being reshaped by various forces, including advances in precision medicine, richer data streams, evolving regulatory expectations, and AI-enabled technologies. These factors are changing how clinical programs are designed, executed, and adjusted in real time. The findings underscore the need for sponsors to focus on designing fit-for-purpose operating models that can adapt to these evolving demands.
In conclusion, the study by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development and Syneos Health highlights the importance of a well-designed operating model over a specific sourcing strategy in driving the success of clinical trials. This evidence-based approach is crucial for sponsors as they navigate the complexities of modern drug development.