Current trends in clinical research 2025

Clinical research is undergoing dynamic change, characterized by technological innovations, regulatory adjustments, and an increased focus on patient-centered approaches and personalized medicine. Discover the most important developments that will revolutionize the industry in 2025 – and what they mean for you!

Deep Learning in Clinical Research

Deep learning, a subfield of machine learning, uses artificial neural networks to analyze complex data structures and is therefore a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI). In clinical research, this technology enables:

Precise patient stratification: By analyzing multimodal data (e.g. genomics, imaging, clinical parameters), patients can be better classified and appropriate therapeutic approaches can be identified.
Prediction of treatment response: Deep learning models predict individual treatment outcomes, supporting the development of personalized therapies.
Optimization of study designs: In combination with simulation techniques, deep learning models support the planning of efficient study designs, for example by predicting recruitment rates or treatment response

These applications help increase the efficiency of clinical trials and accelerate the development of new therapies.

Direct-to-patient (DTP) study models

The DTP model is gaining increasing importance as it allows patients to participate in trials from home – which often facilitates recruitment and can potentially reduce trial costs. DTP is a component of decentralized trial models, placing even greater emphasis on the patient. The model is supported by digital tools, telemedicine, and specialized logistics solutions.

If well implemented, DTP studies can increase patient retention, shorten recruitment times, and improve data quality through continuous, real-world data collection.

Focus on rare and neurological diseases

In 2024, over 5,300 new clinical trials were initiated worldwide – a significant portion of which address rare diseases. In neurology in particular, studies on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and depression are seeing a significant increase, underscoring the growing medical need in this area. The development of innovative therapies also remains dynamic: mRNA-based vaccines, gene therapies, GLP-1 analogues ("diet injections"), and new oncology treatment approaches remain the focus of clinical research.

Personalized medicine and mRNA technologies

Personalized medicine is advancing, particularly through the use of mRNA technologies. Various companies are developing individualized mRNA vaccines, including those against cancer, that specifically train the immune system to target tumor cells. The goal of these therapies is to achieve greater efficacy while simultaneously reducing side effects – initial clinical trials are providing promising evidence.

Regulatory reforms in the EU, Germany and Austria

With Regulation (EU) No. 536/2014, the EU has created a uniform legal framework for clinical trials. Since January 31, 2023, all new trials must be submitted via the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS). Existing trials must also be transferred by January 2025, simplifying the approval process and increasing transparency.

In Germany, the Medical Research Act came into force on October 30, 2024. It reduces bureaucratic hurdles, simplifies approval procedures, and accelerates the approval processes for clinical trials. The aim is to make Germany more attractive for clinical research and provide patients with faster access to innovative therapies.

In Austria, a healthcare reform was passed in 2023, which, among other things, further develops the electronic health record (ELGA). The goal is to improve the use of health data and create a common platform for data evaluation in order to conduct and evaluate clinical trials more efficiently.

Incorporate the new trends into your study project together

These developments demonstrate that clinical research is entering a new era characterized by technological advances and patient-centered approaches. Digitalization is having a lasting impact on study processes and should be considered throughout the entire clinical trial cycle.