20 Best Clinical Trial Management Software of 2024 - Financesonline.com (2024)

Clinical trials are complex projects, and managing its various aspects is simply too complicated for a typical project management software. Individual applications can do budgets, data collection, compliance, research timelines, and more. However, juggling different platforms that do not seamlessly connect together is inefficient. It is better to have this information all in one place in order to ensure that you will not miss anything.

Clinical trial management software covers all these attributes of your research project and more. Centralized databases, robust analytics, and fully-featured patient management features are some of the functionalities of modern CTMS. In this article, we will examine the 20 best clinical trial management software and how each one can help you with your project.

Before the development of CTMS, industry players had to contend with using inefficient multiple solutions that house overlapping data and features. Elimination of information discrepancies was found to significantly boost the accuracy of data used in clinical trials. Thus, the need for an integrated system capable of streamlining workflows and providing ease-of-use was established, making these platforms a lot like business process management software.

These technologies, which may come in a variety of forms are termed as “eClinical,” which refers to those used to automate clinical trials. If healthcare providers have their EHR software, life science researchers have eClinicals. These include platforms that make use of electronic data capture (EDC) interactive voice response, randomization, and trial supply management systems, which got rid of the need to enter duplicate data in both solutions. But clinical trial automation is no magic pill, but rather acts as a catalyst so that business intelligence can do its job of improving performance metrics, not to mention that CTMS have their own shortcomings.

With the benefits that IT technology has to offer clinical trials, CTMS has most likely made it to every pharmaceutical and biotechnology lab on the planet. However, if your organization is planning to replace your existing system, for whatever reason, you may need an idea or two what these tools are all about before you dive straight into a deal.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the 20 best clinical trial management software currently in the market. Their features, functionalities and pricing will be discussed in detail. The rankings do not necessarily mean that one tool is better than the other and should not be construed as such.

Features To Look For In A Clinical Trials Management Software

If you’re a clinical trial manager on the hunt for the ideal CTMS, there are a number of things you should look for in such solution. The need for these systems has recently come into the mainstream, necessitating researchers to define their requirements to be able to choose the ideal system for their processes. Here, we take a look at the top features that one should look for in a CTMS and how they can give clinical trials that much-needed boost.

1. Investigator Performance.Every CTMS comes with an investigator profile, which carries with it information that include name, addresses, licenses, degrees, therapeutic areas and specialties. Current platforms make use of investigator profiles in tracking recruitment and compliance. This aids in the search for high-enrolling partners, which can subsequently be promoted to a study. This central database is seen as an asset in establishing strong relationships.
2. Site Communication.What’s good about CTMS is that they provide visibility into study sites across a variety of channels, which provides users with the gift of oversight. They help in planning site visits as users are provided with a view of dialogue history. These communications include matters such as monitoring and safety letters, technical issues, start-up documents and payment inquiries. CTMS should also be able to integrate documents with portals and manage service levels with the use of workflows, automated notifications and escalations.
3. Mobile Optimization.It is no secret that most of those who work on clinical trials are always on the go, your CTMS should be mobile optimized to cater to these smartphone and tablet-wielding professionals. While it’s true that the laptop synchronization options exist, their adoption rates remain low to date.
4. Workflows.With the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors’ engagement in risk-based processes, workflows and triggers have become requirements. Aside from this, workflows are very helpful in creating site interaction, information requests and moving on to the next process.
5. Payments.To maintain efficient investigative sites, CTMS must be able to come up with site payments accurately and in a timely manner while being able to effectively manage terms of contract. Despite the fact that focus on investigator payments as a CTMS functionality has been placed on the backburner, it remains essential with respect to the introduction of regulations like the Sunshine Act, which highlights the role of payment engines. It is likewise still much preferable to the prospect of exchanging huge amounts of information between different platforms.
6. Cloud Deployment.Early CTMS platforms were deployed on-premise and were based on object-oriented programming, offering little or no scalability. Today’s cloud-deployed solutions offer scalability and are much more inexpensive. They can be rapidly deployed and bring with them numerous tools for use by both internal and external staff and partners. This enables users to exploit such systems in far more clinical scenarios than ever before.
7. Managing Resources.The importance of assigning staff to clinical trials based on skills, languages, availability, location and experience can never be stressed enough as they play a critical role in achieving both country and study-level milestones. Recruitment efforts can be driven through resource allocation and demand forecasts.

20 Best Clinical Trials Management Software

As life science organizations continue to develop processes critical to drug development, the relevance of CTMS has increased in magnitude. For this reason, software developers have been continuously coming up with more powerful solutions of this kind. There are tons of these tools currently in the market, read on and find out which one is right for you. Here are our picks:

1. IBM Clinical Development

IBM Clinical Development snagged the top spot on our list for its comprehensive CTMS functionalities. Offering a unified cloud-based electronic data capture tool that provides a 360-degree view of critical trial data, this platform is built to help you enhance your research workflow. It also comes with patient engagement modules as well as randomization and trial supply management tools to help you execute your clinical studies as smoothly as possible. To further streamline your workflow, it also comes with data integration so you can automate data input and synchronization.

Among its other notable functionalities real-time analytics, medical coding, and endpoint adjudication. IBM Clinical Development also has a quality control and compliance management module to help you make sure that your processes adhere to industry regulations.

Lastly, another aspect of IBM Clinical Development that made it one of the leading systems in the industry is its adaptability. It can be scaled up or down depending on your study’s requirements. Also, it doesn’t require any special equipment or infrastructure to run. This means lower total cost of ownership and a more affordable implementation process for your research organization. Moreover, it can easily be used even without prior programming experience.

In case you are interested in this platform, IBM Clinical Development is only available by quote. For more information about their basic and enterprise pricing plans, you may simply get in touch with their vendors.

2. Edge CTMS

Edge CTMS by Medidata is a robust cloud-based application created to streamline all aspects of research management from budgeting to evaluation. Ideal for businesses of all sizes, it leverages agile development methodology in order to help you maintain a steady pace in your clinical research even in the event of unforeseen circ*mstances. With it, you can easily evaluate the effectiveness of your processes as well as make modifications to your workflow with minimal disruption to your operations.

The platform also integrates with Rave EDC so you can monitor the real-time status of your research progress. As for data management, Edge CTMS has an open architecture that lets it exchange data with other business systems as effortlessly as possible. Like the other top solutions we will be discussing, Edge CTMS comes with a complete study management module and payment module so you can manage both the business and research aspect of your operations in one hub.

What makes it different is that all of these functionalities can function individually or simultaneously, allowing it to adapt to your needs. For subscriptions, Edge CTMS offers both basic and enterprise pricing options. However, the vendor doesn’t provide these publicly. To get a quote, be sure to get in touch with the vendor for more details.

3. MasterControl CQMS

MasterControl CQMS is a clinical trials management solution that is designed to help life science organizations manage their documents, project tasks, activities, quality events, audits and training, to name a few. It is capable of boosting efficiencies and allows for data reuse while helping streamline tasks and processes that are critical to any clinical trial. Unlike other CTMS, MasterControl Clinical Suite does not focus only on collecting information and documentation. It has capabilities such as quality and risk management.

Other prominent features include study, site, project and vendor management, electronic trial master file management, document exchange and third-party collaboration, among many others. These and more make up the reasons why the platform is trusted by over 1,000 organizations worldwide. MasterControl Clinical Suite’s pricing plans are not publicly disclosed. You have to visit its website to request for a customized quote.

4. EXPeRT eClinical

EXPeRT eClinical is a clinical trial management platform that is targeted at organizations who are looking to improve their trial processes. The software significantly speeds up time-to-market with the use of real time analytics, trial management, risk management and business intelligence. It provides users with visibility over all aspects of clinical trials by integrating all relevant clinical and operational data.

The solution also has the ability to manage risk, allowing you to confidently get on with your trials by providing access to trial performance in real time. Collaboration among stakeholders, sponsors and CRO are also promoted with the shared visibility that the system provides. Whereas your average CTMS takes a silo approach in risk management, which results in efficiencies and additional costs, EXPeRT eClinical does this in real time, offering protection and total control over trials. EXPeRT eClinical does not make public its pricing information. You can contact the vendor directly and ask for a quote.

5. BioClinica CTMS

BioClinica CTMS is a web-based clinical trial management solution that has the ability to transform clinical trials into a highly-efficient work environment. This is made possible with the software’s integrations with SharePoint and other products from Microsoft.The system offers users total control over trials, bringing efficiency and quality information to any scientific study. It likewise provides real time operational visibility.

The platform can link trials to data using Outlook quite easily, promote collaboration using SharePoint and export information to Excel. These data exchanges are seamlessly accomplished, making Bioclinica one of the most powerful solutions of its kind. Even novice users require minimal training in using the system as all interactions occur in Microsoft tools, which just about everyone is familiar with. BioClinica pricing information are only available upon request. You can contact the vendor for a price quote.

6. Ofni Clinical

Ofni Clinical is a clinical data management application designed to help researchers create databases that are compliant with 21 CFR 11, Annex 11, and HIPAA regulations. Equipped with data capture, electronic CRF, automated data querying, and data validation, this platform will surely help you make your clinical studies more accurate and efficient than ever. It even has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to learn and implement even for research professionals who do not have extensive technical know-how.

What truly makes Ofni Clinical stand out, however, is that it can match your case report forms. This makes it highly adaptable to your existing workflows. It even has strict data cleaning, data validation, and edit check functionalities so you can identify any questionable data entry that may negatively affect the results of your study.

Ofni Clinical offers a quote-based plan for its users to ensure that they are only paying for the CTMS tools they require. For more information, contact the vendor.

7. CANTAB

CANTAB is a cloud-based digital cognitive assessment and eCOA created by the Cambridge Recognition. It quantifies cognitive performance and impairment in a non-invasive manner in order to help you manage cerebral health as effectively as possible. With it, you get access to language-independent parallel modes and stimuli randomization so you can yield more accurate evaluations regardless of what language your subjects speak.

Apart from its innovative approach to cognitive research, CANTAB is also built to accelerate research lifecycles. It leverages computerization and automation to administer and score tests. After which it syncs your data in a centralized database. This way, you don’t have to worry about any information falling through the cracks. It even backs up your data regularly to ensure research continuity.

As for pricing, CANTAB has a straightforward, one-time pricing package that starts at $30,000. For more details, be sure to get in touch with their representatives.

8. OpenClinica

OpenClinica is an open-source clinical data management and electronic data capture system. It comes with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface that lets you design studies, perform real-time edit checks, as well as manage supplies at a granular level. What’s more is the platform meets GCP and 21 CFR Part 11 regulations and has validation documentation and audit support.

OpenClinica is also intuitive enough to help you drill down into your study data. It has extensive data visualization tools that let you format results using bar charts, line graphs, or any other graphic that you prefer. It also allows you to create advanced queries so it is easier to review findings as well as correct errors quickly. Lastly, as an open-source system, OpenClinica is highly configurable and scalable as it can integrate with other business systems via SOAP and RESTful APIs.

OpenClinica offers four different plans depending on the kinds of feature sets you require. The OpenClinica Community package is available for free while the Enterprise, Participate, and Randomize plans are all available by quote.

9. Clinical Research IO

Clinical trial management software Clinical Research IO helps members of the life sciences sector in managing all aspects of their trials. It can handle just about everything, be it curating your patient database, tracking your finances or integrating your operations with the solution. Scheduling is no problem with the platform, letting users schedule subject visits and change calendar entries using subject profiles as basis.

As the platform is deployed via cloud, being on the go is no problem at all. The system can be accessed anytime, anywhere, relieving users of paper binders. Other key features include receivables tracking, invoicing, voice over IP line and pre-screening and qualifying patients using recruitment profiles. Clinical Research IO does not publicly disclose its pricing plans. You must directly contact the vendor and request for a quote.

10. LifeSphere CTMS

A total clinical trial management platform, LifeSphere CTMS allows members of the life science sector to manage activities from planning, tracking and controlling tasks relevant to clinical trials. The software is highly-configurable, providing users with total visibility into all trial activities, ensuring transparency. It basically automates key processes, which include, planning, site assessment, enrollment planning, investigator selection, distribution of documents and site visits.

The platform complies with all industry best practices in streamlining study implementation. With the system, CRAs are able to monitor all site documents and patients, track trial payments and route visit reports using a workflow-driven and automated process of review and approval. All final documents can be stored safely in the system’s electronic trial master file. LifeSphere CTMS’ pricing plans are not publicly available. You have to contact the vendor to get a price quote.

11. Allegro CTMS

Created by Forte, Allegro CTMS is a platform that focuses on the business side of research administration. It offers user-friendly features that simplify back-office tasks and devote more time for actual research operations. With it, you can automate invoicing and billing, notify patients about their schedules right from the platform, as well as generate real-time reports to provide sponsors with the data they need to assess your progress.

Moreover, Allegro CTMS is equipped with a protocol management system. This allows you to map out the entire research lifecycle from recruiting to reporting so that your research staff can easily keep track of what they need to do and the order in which they have to finish particular tasks. With this, not only can you ensure that your study is going as planned, but it is also much easier to remain compliant with industry regulations.

Allegro CTMS offers pricing plans that are based on the volume of your site’s active protocol. Their rates start at $12,000. For more information, be sure to get in touch with their representatives.

12. OnCore Enterprise Research

Similar to Allegro CTMS, OnCore Enterprise Research is a premier software solution from Forte. However, it primarily focuses on clinical research management and billing compliance. It comes with productivity functionalities that will allow you to organize your research workflow, give you a complete view of your research lifecycle, as well as aggregate your data in a centralized hub for better monitoring. The platform is also equipped with patient registries and powerful reporting options for your convenience.

Another functionality that sets OnCore Enterprise Research apart from its competitors is that it has a separate module for biospecimen management. This is what will allow you to ensure that you have an ample amount of samples in your storage. Moreover, it allows you to track when the samples arrived so it is easy to tell if your biospecimens are top quality.

Oncore Enterprise Research offers annual licensing fees depending on the number of modules you’ll be needing for your operations. Be sure to get in touch with their representatives to get a quote.

13. ActiTrack

Designed for use by biotechs and pharmaceutical companies, ActiTrack is an electronic data capture solution that makes information management a far easier undertaking. The software analyzes and records animal tracking within an IR actimeter and is capable of controlling information from up to 32 IR frames. Frequency and number of IR beam breaks are analyzed and are subsequently converted into a track file that can be used in the creation of reports.

The system acquires animal trajectories from beam breaks, which are then stored for use in the analysis of experiments with varying parameters, zone configurations and associations. Replaying of tracks in real time is possible using user-defined speeds. All information collected by the system come in ASCII format and can be exported to different statistics applications and spreadsheets.

Setup is a breeze and installation in as many machines as needed is allowed. Other features include, charts generation, integrated data provision and results printing. ActiTrack is being sold on a price quote basis. Contact the vendor for pricing information.

14. Castor EDC

A cloud-based electronic data capture solution, Castor EDC allows biotech and pharmaceutical researchers to collect high-quality information that can be reused as needed. It is a robust clinical trial management system that streamlines all aspects of any study. The system is known for its ease-of-use so that users are not required to undergo formal training to be able to use it.

Castor EDC comes with a form exchange that can be used to come up with study forms, shareable surveys, reports and pre-built calculations. A calculation field enables users to use calculations in studies. Also, real-time edit checks can be created while field visibility can be limited based on different conditions.

Other features such as eCRF customization, which are intended for study groups, a study and trial phases, steps managers and unscheduled forms are also included.

Castor EDC is priced on a quote basis. The vendor’s website has a price calculator that can provide you with a customized quote. However, for small studies, a free plan is available.

15. Clinical Conductor CTMS

Created by Bio-Optronics, Clinical Conductor CTMS is a cloud-hosted solution that can accommodate various types of researches. Equipped with everything from financial tracking and participant recruitment to study management and results reporting, this platform can give you end-to-end functionalities for handling your clinical studies. It even has a modular architecture which makes it great for organizations who don’t want to deal with clunky systems.

Aside from its comprehensive CTMS functionalities, Clinical Conductor CTMS also provides users with communication options. For starters, it has a text messaging suite that can be used to communicate with patients directly, making it easy to remind them of any follow-ups.

The platform is also equipped with a partners’ portal where stakeholders and investors can view the progress of the trials they are funding for better transparency.

Clinical Conductor CTMS is only available by quote. If you are looking to invest in this software, be sure to contact the vendor for more details.

16. BSI CTMS

BSI CTMS is a comprehensive clinical trial management tool built for flexibility. It is equipped with a user-friendly study setup feature, budgeting options, and document management functionality that makes it easier to plan researches thoroughly before you even find participants. It also comes with custom evaluations, on-the-fly reports, and a patented walkthrough site monitoring process so you can ensure that researchers are meeting your preset protocols throughout the study.

Another great thing about BSI CTMS is that it gives you a bird’s eye view of your clinical trials by providing you with the real-time status of your progress, costs, and even resources. This way, it is easier to keep tabs on expenditures for each study. It is also made to comply with 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 regulations to ensure the security of your data.

BSI CTMS offers monthly enterprise pricing plans based on the number of users you plan to enroll in the system. However, they don’t offer the subscription details publicly. Be sure to get in touch with their representatives for more information.

17. STARLIMS

STARLIMS is an integrated information management solution designed for use by life science organizations. It was developed to make remarkable changes in the way these organizations process and manage laboratory data. The system is capable of handling complicated processes and regulatory compliance support while promoting collaboration both within labs and among labs worldwide.

The software can be customized to meet your organization’s needs. The vendor offers numerous add-on modules so that you get to have your own tailored system. Key features include scientific data management, an electronic laboratory notebook, mobile optimization and advanced analytics, to name a few.

In addition, system upgrades can be done quite easily as the solution has independent data, technology tiers and business rules, allowing for the replacement of one tier without affecting the others. STARLIMS’ pricing information are not available on the vendor’s site. You have to contact the company for a customized quote.

18. Target Health Software Suite

A product of clinical research organization Target Health Inc., Target Health is essentially a collection of tools that are guaranteed to change the way life science organizations conduct and manage clinical trials. The solution’s Target e*ICF provides subjects or their representatives with an online view of their informed consent forms. They may also post inquiries about the study and sign consent forms electronically.

Target e*Pharmacovigilance, on the other hand, is the suite’s safety tool. Integration with Target e*Studio allows it to collect safety form data, after which regulatory forms are automatically populated with safety form information. Notifications can likewise be sent to relevant personnel in real time.

Lastly, the system’s Target e*Monitoring tool is a web-based document management and distribution system, which allows for the sharing, electronic signing and archiving of any trial document.

Target Health Software Suite is sold on a price-quote basis. You may contact the vendor directly to request for pricing information.

19. myClin

myClin is a laboratory information management system that is highly-suited to members of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The platform sports a plethora of features that make data management an easier task for laboratory researchers. Using the solution, document sharing and collaboration are made possible, eliminating the hassles of non-compliant emails.

Users are assured that they are using a document’s latest version every time with myClin while keeping projects on the move with feedback. Important notifications are automatically sent out so that users can review activities that demand attention. Another benefit is the fact that errors are minimized as the system provides you with a complete view of your study, which also means you no longer have to contend with guess work in documentation. MyClin is being sold on a price-quote basis. You will have to contact the vendor to get pricing information.

20. Clinical Studio

Electronic data capture platform Clinical Studio offers clinical researchers the ability to streamline research management, data collection and study planning, resulting in time and cost savings. As it is cloud-based, the system eliminates the typical hassles of clinical research by enabling users to enter data, access and analyze the same anywhere at any given time. Data can be collected straight from sources, slashing data entry costs.

Regulatory compliance is ensured as the software collects and aligns data with federal rules and industry best practices. Thus, users get to spend less time on accomplishing regulatory tasks. Other key capabilities include study subject engagement, collaboration and integration with third-party apps through a web API. Clinical Studio can be purchased in a variety of pricing plans starting at $499/month. A free trial is also available.

Choosing the Best Clinical Trial Management Software

Keeping tabs on your clinical trial projects can be a daunting task without the proper management software. Having your entire database in one place means you can easily generate reports and analytics. That means your entire process will be more efficient as you do not have to deal with multiple, independent applications.

Furthermore, the ability to scale and adapt to various projects means you do not have to use any other clinical trial management software anymore. By having these applications run on the cloud, you do not need to install any expensive hardware. This means your data and the platform is available anytime, anywhere.

Take note of the features to look for in a CTMS to ensure that the software that you choose perfectly fits your specific needs. If you want to explore other management software, you may want to check out our article about the benefits of business process management software.

Key Insights

• Centralization of Data: Clinical trial management software (CTMS) integrates various aspects of clinical trials such as budgeting, data collection, compliance, and research timelines into a single platform, reducing inefficiency and information discrepancies.
• Comprehensive Features: Modern CTMS offer a wide range of functionalities including centralized databases, robust analytics, patient management features, and real-time operational visibility, enhancing the overall efficiency of clinical trials.
• Importance of Investigator and Site Management: Effective CTMS platforms track investigator performance and streamline site communication, aiding in recruitment and ensuring compliance.
• Mobile Optimization: As clinical trial professionals are often on the move, mobile-optimized CTMS ensure seamless access to essential data and functionalities via smartphones and tablets.
• Workflow and Payment Management: Advanced CTMS facilitate automated workflows, triggers, and accurate site payments, which are crucial for maintaining efficient investigative sites and complying with regulations such as the Sunshine Act.
• Cloud Deployment: Modern CTMS are typically cloud-based, offering scalability, rapid deployment, and cost-efficiency by eliminating the need for expensive on-premise hardware.
• Resource Management: Effective CTMS platforms enable precise resource allocation based on skills, availability, and location, crucial for meeting study-level milestones and driving recruitment efforts.

FAQ

1. What is Clinical Trial Management Software (CTMS)?
   CTMS is a software solution that integrates and manages various aspects of clinical trials, including budgeting, data collection, compliance, research timelines, and patient management, into a single platform.
2. Why is CTMS important for clinical trials?
   CTMS centralizes data, reduces inefficiencies, eliminates information discrepancies, and enhances the overall efficiency and accuracy of clinical trials, making it essential for managing complex projects.
3. What features should I look for in a CTMS?
   Key features to look for include investigator performance tracking, site communication tools, mobile optimization, automated workflows, payment management, cloud deployment, and resource management capabilities.
4. How does CTMS improve investigator and site management?
   CTMS tracks investigator performance, aids in recruitment, ensures compliance, and provides visibility into study sites across various channels, enhancing communication and collaboration.
5. Why is mobile optimization important in CTMS?
   Mobile optimization is crucial as clinical trial professionals are often on the move. It ensures they can access essential data and functionalities via smartphones and tablets, improving efficiency and responsiveness.
6. What are the benefits of cloud-deployed CTMS?
   Cloud-deployed CTMS offer scalability, rapid deployment, cost-efficiency, and accessibility from anywhere, eliminating the need for expensive on-premise hardware and providing a more flexible and affordable solution.
7. How does CTMS handle workflows and payments?
   Advanced CTMS facilitate automated workflows and triggers for streamlined processes and ensure accurate and timely site payments, which are crucial for maintaining efficient investigative sites and regulatory compliance.
8. What role does resource management play in CTMS?
   Effective resource management in CTMS enables precise allocation of staff based on skills, availability, and location, which is crucial for meeting study-level milestones and driving recruitment efforts.
9. How does CTMS ensure compliance with industry regulations?
   CTMS typically include modules for quality control, compliance management, and documentation that adhere to industry regulations such as 21 CFR Part 11 and the Sunshine Act, ensuring that clinical trials meet necessary standards.
10. Can CTMS be customized to fit specific research needs?
    Yes, many CTMS solutions are highly configurable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different research projects, offering flexibility in terms of features and functionalities.