AI Can’t Fix Clinical Trials Without The Right People, New Parexel Report

Forbes - May 16th, 2025

Parexel's recent study highlights that only 6% of surveyed executives feel their organizations are exceptionally prepared to handle AI-driven drug development. While enthusiasm for AI is growing, with over 50% prioritizing AI training, the report underscores the critical role of human expertise in harnessing AI's potential. Key players, including Parexel's Chief Business Officer Keri Mattox, emphasize that AI tools like predictive analytics and pharmacovigilance need skilled individuals to translate data into actionable insights, ensuring AI's effective integration into clinical research workflows.

The report reveals a growing demand for 'multi-fluent' roles that blend clinical, technical, and data skills, as AI reshapes job functions in the biopharma sector. It identifies a need for 'human-in-the-loop' systems, where humans verify AI outputs and guide outcomes, mitigating risks associated with regulatory scrutiny. The study also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and in-person mentoring to improve AI adoption and retention. As AI becomes integral to clinical development, Parexel positions itself as a talent engine for the industry, with human capacity determining the pace of AI-driven advancements.

Pharmaceutical Industry Parexel Keri Mattox Ai In Biopharma Ai Driven Drug Development Clinical Research Talent Development

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RATING

8.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate account of Parexel's research on AI in drug development, supported by credible sources and expert insights. It effectively highlights the industry's current challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the critical role of human expertise alongside AI. The story is timely and relevant, addressing a topic of significant public interest with potential implications for healthcare outcomes. While the article is well-structured and clear, its technical content may limit accessibility for a general audience. Including a wider range of perspectives and simplifying complex terms could enhance its balance and readability. Overall, the article offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI in clinical trials, with a focus on the importance of preparedness and talent development in the biopharma sector.

Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of Parexel's research findings on the use of AI in drug development and its implications. The claims regarding the percentage of executives who feel their organizations are 'exceptionally prepared' for AI integration, and the emphasis on AI training as a priority, are consistent with Parexel's reported data. The story accurately reflects the survey's scope and methodology, as well as the industry's current AI adoption levels and challenges. However, specific numerical claims, such as AI's potential to accelerate trials by 35%, are not directly cited in the sources, which slightly impacts the precision of these claims.

Balance

The story presents a balanced perspective on the role of AI in clinical trials, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges posed by a lack of preparedness and the need for human expertise. It includes views from Parexel's Chief Business Officer and integrates insights from the company's report, providing a comprehensive view of the issue. However, the article could have included perspectives from other industry experts or stakeholders to enhance the range of viewpoints and provide a more rounded analysis.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey complex information about AI in clinical trials. It logically progresses from discussing the survey findings to exploring the implications for the biopharma industry. While the article maintains a neutral tone, some technical terms related to AI and clinical research might be challenging for readers without a background in these fields. Including definitions or explanations could improve comprehension.

Source quality

The primary source for the story is Parexel, a reputable global clinical research organization, which lends credibility to the information presented. The article relies on data from a recent survey conducted by Parexel and statements from a high-ranking company official, ensuring that the content is based on authoritative and reliable sources. The story could further benefit from additional independent sources to corroborate the findings and provide a broader context.

Transparency

The article clearly attributes its information to Parexel's research and the insights of Keri Mattox, the company's Chief Business Officer. It discloses the survey's scope, including the number of professionals surveyed, which enhances transparency. However, the article could improve by providing more detailed information about the survey methodology and any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the interpretation of the findings.