Optimizing Study Execution in Obesity Clinical Trials: Considerations for Recruitment and Retention

Despite increasing awareness of the negative health outcomes associated with obesity, the prevalence of obesity continues to increase both in the US and globally. Recent breakthroughs in the development and approval of novel anti-obesity drugs hold much promise and have reinvigorated this field. However, the management of obesity clinical trials presents unique challenges for effective recruitment and retention of participants.

Unlike many trials in chronic diseases, obesity trials often attract motivated individuals who are eager to achieve rapid weight loss. Given that screening and enrollment rates can be higher than in most other metabolic indications, it is essential to effectively handle the high volume of subject visits, data collection and ensure data integrity, proactive planning and prompt monitoring visits. Minimizing patient dropouts and maximizing retention is also critical for the success of obesity clinical trials. Dropout rates in obesity studies have historically been as high as 50 percent, primarily due to factors such as perceived lack of efficacy, tolerability issues with study drugs and the availability of alternative treatment options.

Register for this webinar and hear from Medpace medical and operational experts as they address these unique challenges in the recruitment and retention of obesity participants and provide insights into optimizing the execution of research in obesity clinical trials.

Speakers

Dr. Yulia Lurye, MD, Medical Department, Medpace

Dr. Yulia Lurye is board-certified in adult and pediatric endocrinology and nephrology, with additional certifications in cognitive-behavioral therapy in obesity. She has more than 10 years of medical practice of treating adults and children with various endocrinological diseases, including diabetes and obesity. Additionally, Dr. Lurye has worked in a transplant center for seven years and gained experience in transplantation of liver, pancreas and kidney in adults and children. She has more than 10 years of experience in clinical research, including seven years as an investigator and 10 years as a medical director working across all phases in multiple therapeutic areas and with various therapeutic products, including small molecules, biologics and biosimilars, advanced gene and cell therapies and medical devices.

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Dr. Phillippa Miranda, MD, Medical Department, Medpace

Dr. Phillippa Miranda received her MD from Duke University School of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in endocrinology at Duke. She served on the faculty in the Division of Endocrinology at Duke University Health System for five years prior to transitioning to industry in 2008. Dr. Miranda is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. Her therapeutic expertise covers a wide range of metabolic indications with significant medical monitoring experience in the areas of NAFLD, NASH, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Dr. Miranda has more than 15 years of CRO experience conducting clinical research studies and is well-versed in the conduct and safety surveillance of studies in endocrinology, hepatology and metabolic disorders.

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Andy Hood, Clinical Trial Management, Medpace

Andy Hood started his clinical research career at Medpace in 2013, where he sharpened his strong leadership skills propelling him into the role of CTM in 2017. Mr. Hood has significant experience in global CTM in Phase II-III trials, including 5+ years of CTM experience in the metabolic field where he demonstrated his keen ability to successfully collaborate with KOLs in that space.

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Jenson Ruiz Garcia, MSc, Clinical Trial Management, Medpace

Jenson Ruiz Garcia started his clinical research career at Medpace in 2018. Mr. Garcia has nine years of experience in clinical trial management for Phase I-III, including a successful working relationship and collaboration with flagship sites and KOLs. He has demonstrated a passion for research, risk-based management approach and leadership skills throughout his clinical career where he has led multiple large global outcome trials. He received a Master of Science in Molecular Biology of Infectious Disease from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.

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