For many patients, participating in a clinical trial is not easy. It can mean regular trips to clinics, taking time off work, dealing with uncertainty, and navigating complex procedures. These challenges often lead to high dropout rates and make it difficult to recruit diverse patient populations — especially the elderly, children, or those living in remote areas.
One of the most promising solutions to these issues is the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
By equipping patients with connected devices — such as smartwatches, wearable sensors, or smartphone-based tools — clinical trials can now be conducted in a more decentralised and flexible way. These tools allow biometric data (like heart rate, glucose levels, or physical activity) to be monitored continuously and remotely. This not only reduces the need for in-person visits but also improves the quality and consistency of the data collected.
Leading pharmaceutical companies are already integrating these technologies into their trial designs. For example:
▪️ Pfizer uses smartwatches in studies,
▪️ Novartis collects movement data for osteoarthritis trials,
▪️ Roche monitors neurological conditions like Parkinson’s using smartphone sensors.
The benefits of this shift are significant:
▪️ Less burden on patients,
▪️ Higher retention and engagement,
▪️ More diverse and representative trial populations,
▪️ Faster timelines and better outcomes.
From a business perspective, the impact is just as powerful. Studies show that implementing decentralised trial methods supported by IoT can deliver a sevenfold return on investment and increase the value of each drug by tens of millions of dollars.
The conclusion is simple: IoT isn’t just a tool — it’s a way to reimagine clinical research around the needs of patients.
As the industry continues to move toward more accessible, efficient, and inclusive trial models, connected technology will remain at the heart of that progress.
