AI for Better Trials: The Alberta Advantage

Bringing a new therapy to market is a monumental endeavor, often taking over a decade and costing upwards of $2.3 billion. A significant portion of this investment is consumed by clinical trials, which are essential for ensuring the safety and efficacy of new treatments. However, these trials are frequently hampered by challenges such as patient recruitment difficulties, complex data management, and rigid protocols. These obstacles contribute to the sobering statistic that only 10–14% of drug candidates successfully navigate the clinical trial phase .


The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Trials

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force in the realm of clinical trials. By leveraging AI, we can address many of the traditional challenges associated with clinical research:

  • Optimized Patient Recruitment: AI algorithms can analyze demographic, genetic, and health data to match eligible participants to appropriate trials more efficiently. This not only accelerates recruitment but also enhances patient retention .

  • Enhanced Trial Design: Through simulation and predictive analytics, AI can assist in designing more effective trials, anticipating potential outcomes, and identifying optimal protocols.

  • Improved Data Analysis: AI can automate the analysis of complex datasets, providing real-time insights that enable proactive decision-making and adaptability during trials.

These advancements collectively contribute to reduced costs, shortened timelines, and increased success rates in clinical trials.


Alberta’s Advantage

Alberta is at the forefront of integrating AI into clinical research, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). As one of Canada’s three national AI institutes, Amii collaborates directly with life sciences organizations to develop and implement AI-driven solutions that have tangible impacts on clinical trials.

Amii offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors:

  • Strategic AI Roadmapping: Collaborating with organizations to identify and prioritize AI use cases aligned with their business goals.

  • Industry-Focused Training: Providing training programs for both technical and non-technical teams to foster a shared understanding of AI applications in clinical research.

  • Embedded Machine Learning Talent: Through its Machine Learning Residency program, Amii places full-time ML residents within organizations, supervised by Amii experts, to build custom AI solutions. Post-project, organizations have the option to hire these residents, ensuring continuity and expanding internal AI capabilities.

By partnering with Amii, organizations can navigate the complexities of AI integration, from initial exploration to full-scale implementation, all grounded in cutting-edge research and tailored to real-world health challenges.


Let’s Build the Future of Trials: Here in Alberta

The integration of AI into clinical trials is not a distant vision; it’s happening now. Alberta’s unique combination of AI expertise and a robust life sciences ecosystem positions it as a leader in this transformation. By embracing AI, we can make clinical trials more efficient, inclusive, and effective, ultimately bringing life-saving treatments to patients faster.

If you’re interested in exploring how AI can revolutionize your clinical trials, check out Amii’s clinical trials services here: Using AI to Streamline Clinical Trials — Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute

Curious how Alberta can accelerate your next trial? Let’s connect.