Decentralized Clinical Trials Market, Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Interventional, Observational, Expanded Access), By Application (Oncology, Cardiovascular, and Others), Regional Outlook, and Forecast From 2025 To 2033

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DECENTRALIZED CLINICAL TRIALS MARKET OVERVIEW

The global decentralized clinical trials market size was USD 8.19 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 28.67 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period.

Decentralized clinical trials are processes and studies that take place with the help of telemedicine or local healthcare providers. These studies deploy an approach that differs from traditional clinical trial modes. These trials are specially designed, keeping in mind the needs and comfort of the patients. Researchers are continuously devising ways to improve technology and provide patients with virtual healthcare, increasing their convenience and saving travel time and costs.

This process is carried out with data visualization, an effective tool for making the process virtual. Healthcare companies use cloud data and several other options in this process to provide quick solutions and improve patient healthcare. Unlike the traditional way of bringing a patient on-site for diagnosis, decentralized clinical trials are much more effective, convenient, and the perfect solution for the modern-day, marred by the pandemic. The pandemic has increased the use of this technology, which will spur market growth. Decentralization also reduces the workload of administrators and trial investigators.

DECENTRALIZED CLINICAL TRIALS MARKET KEY FINDINGS

Market Size and Growth: The decentralized clinical trials market is experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and the increasing adoption of virtual trial methodologies.

Key Market Driver: The integration of digital health technologies, such as wearable devices and telemedicine, is enhancing the efficiency and scalability of decentralized clinical trials.

Major Market Restraint: Complex and slow regulatory processes in certain regions, notably Europe, are hindering the growth of decentralized clinical trials.

Emerging Trends: The adoption of hybrid trial models, combining remote technology and in-person visits, is becoming increasingly prevalent, with 88% of research sites hosting such trials.

Regional Leadership: North America leads the decentralized clinical trials market, attributed to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and rapid adoption of digital technologies.

Competitive Landscape: Key players in the decentralized clinical trials market include Medidata and IQVIA, both of which have made significant advancements in clinical trial technologies and services.

Market Segmentation: The market is segmented by trial type into interventional, observational, and expanded access trials, and by application into oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and others.

Recent Development: In August 2024, Medable Inc. introduced Medable Studio, an all-in-one solution simplifying the setup, validation, translation, and integration of eCOA Plus for clinical trials.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Pandemic Induced Restrictions Proliferated Market Growth

The sudden spike in CAGR is attributed to demand returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented, with decentralized clinical trials experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The technology of decentralized trials existed before the pandemic hit the world hard; however, it was hardly used by companies due to a lack of awareness. The pandemic led to the industry's growth massively, as traditional health systems collapsed and people found a haven for themselves amidst the crisis. Most patients reported having a better experience remotely or at their homes. Companies thus banked on bringing healthcare to patients and recorded massive profits over the last two years. The major players in the industry are based in the U.S.

LATEST TRENDS

Evolving Technology and Services to Lead Market Growth

The industry's growth is due to evolving technologies and services being offered in the market. Electronic consent, telehealthcare, and remote patient monitoring allow trial administrators to maintain contact with patients despite being physically present on the site. Mobile and remote healthcare at the patients' houses or alternative locations help catalyze the process away from traditional research sites. End-to-end digital tools and the self-administration of medicines make the process easier. Thus, these developments will lead to market growth.

Increased Digital Monitoring: In 2023, seventy five% of clinical trial sites integrated wearable gadgets for faraway patient monitoring, as highlighted in recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) steering on digital health tasks.

Telemedicine Adoption: A observe conducted by way of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2022 discovered that 82 out of 100 decentralized trial individuals utilized telehealth consultations for follow-up, demonstrating a speedy shift to virtual care shipping.

Enhanced Electronic Data Capture (EDC): According to the NIH, 68% of decentralized scientific trials applied superior EDC structures in 2022, main to the digital capture of facts for over 50,000 patients throughout multiple look at websites.

• According to a 2021 WCG survey, 94% of research sites had adopted at least one decentralized methodology, while 88% of sites had hosted hybrid trials combining remote technology and in-person visits.

• A report study found that approximately 1,300 drug clinical trials with a virtual and/or decentralized component were expected to start in 2022, marking a 28% increase from 2021 and a 93% increase from 2020.

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DECENTRALIZED CLINICAL TRIALS MARKET SEGMENTATION

• By Type

Based on the types, the market categorizes into interventional, observational, and expanded access.

• By Application

Based on the applications, the market categorizes into oncology, cardiovascular, and others.

MARKET DYNAMICS

DRIVING FACTORS

Increased Interaction with Virtual Systems to Propel Growth

The present time is perfectly suitable for developing decentralized clinical trials owing to the pandemic. The momentum caused by the pandemic will lead to decentralized clinical trials market growth, as the virtual interaction of patients with these systems will increase three-fold post-pandemic. The physicians' comfort has also increased with virtual methods, as most patients stayed home for the course of two years. The argument is supported by the increased use of innovative healthcare devices such as watches and apps, increasing consumer preference and comfort for these processes.

• The adoption of digital health technologies, including wearable devices and telemedicine, is significantly enhancing the efficiency and scalability of decentralized clinical trials. For instance, Takeda Pharmaceuticals decentralized 33% of its clinical trials in 2022, followed by Bayer at 22% and Sanofi at 17%. 

• Regulatory agencies have implemented programs and initiatives to expedite the review and approval of promising therapies, such as fast-track designation and accelerated approval pathways, facilitating earlier access to potentially beneficial treatments for patients with serious conditions. 

Patient Convenience and Improved Tools to Aid Market Growth

Tools such as sensors, cameras, video, and voice processes are increasingly being adopted and validated after the advent of the pandemic. This has established standards for broader use amongst patients, thus increasing their convenience. Regulatory systems have also promoted the process, with some guidelines to be followed already in place. Technology innovators invest in decentralized elements and provide point-to-point solutions to sponsors to propel market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Market Expansion Will Be Limited Due to the Predominance of Trials

According to research, not all the trials will be virtual or decentralized, which may impede market growth and create obstacles for major industrial players. Even though the demand for clinical trials has increased significantly over the last two years, investigators will decide upon each case and provide end-to-end solutions based on suitability. Complex on-site processes will have to be carried out in person for procedures such as screenings and MRIs. This may reduce profits for major industry players. Hence, work on technology and improved, efficient operations should be carried out by researchers to increase growth, and investors must take cognizance of these factors.

• The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) reported that Europe's share of global commercial clinical drug trials decreased from 22% in 2013 to 12% in 2023, attributing the decline to complex and slow regulatory processes. 

• Healthcare experts have called for India to revise its clinical trial regulations to capture a larger share of the global market, where it currently holds 8% compared to China's 29%. 

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DECENTRALIZED CLINICAL TRIALS MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Lead Market Share Owing to Increased Pandemic Spread

The North American region will lead the decentralized clinical trials market share due to the devastating effects of the pandemic. The U.S. was affected severely, so the deployment of decentralized clinical trials in the region will increase rapidly. The companies producing the trial technology are primarily based in the U.S., with the leading companies owning most of the market share. Thus, the region will spur industry growth as the pandemic recedes and leaves long-term effects on people.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The report analyzes different market players in the industry, and the information is published after proper research, analysis of trends, key developments, new initiatives, and technological developments and innovations. Other aspects of the report include research on companies, regions, technical and environmental outcomes, and newly emerging industries' impact and risks. The facts in the information may be subject to change, given the situation of market players from time to time. North America will lead the industry with the largest share.

• Medidata: In June 2022, Medidata, a U.S.-based company and a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes, launched new clinical operations technology, Rave CTMS, to address critical clinical trial management issues, enhancing data oversight and reporting for sponsors and contract research organizations.

• IQVIA: In March 2025, IQVIA was recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape’s 2024 assessment for decentralized clinical trial technologies and consulting services, highlighting its extensive portfolio of DCT-enabling technologies and services.

List Of Top Decentralized Clinical Trials Companies

• Medidata (U.S.)
• IQVIA (U.S.)
• Labcorp (U.S.)
• PRA Health Sciences (U.S.)
• Parexel (U.S.)
• ICON (Ireland)
• Oracle (U.S.)
• CRF Health (U.S.)
• Clinical Ink (U.S.)
• Medable (U.S.)
• Science 37 (U.S.)

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

June 2022: Mediadata, a U.S.-based company and a subsidiary of Dassault Systems Company, launched new clinical operations technology to address critical clinical trial management issues along with Rave CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems). It will help both companies to monitor data quickly and visualize it to make quick, enhanced judgments and decisions. This development will improve data oversight and reporting for sponsors and contract research organizations, driving market growth and generating industry growth. 

REPORT COVERAGE

The report examines elements that affect the demand and supply and estimates dynamic market forces for the forecast period. The report offers drivers, restraints, the latest trends, and industrial developments. After evaluating financial and technical market factors, the report provides exhaustive PEST and SWOT analysis. The research is subject to alteration if crucial players and analysis of market dynamics change. The information is an approximate estimate of the factors mentioned, taken into consideration after thorough research.