- ICON plc and Advarra have partnered to introduce a “research-ready” connected site network model designed to streamline clinical trials.
- The collaboration integrates ICON’s global CRO services with Advarra’s site technologies used by more than 50,000 investigators worldwide.

ICON plc has entered a definitive partnership with Advarra to introduce a research-ready, connected site network model designed to improve clinical trial execution and accelerate study startup. The collaboration integrates ICON’s global clinical trial services with Advarra’s site-focused technology systems to create a shared operational environment for sponsors and research sites.
The integrated model connects ICON’s clinical development workflows with Advarra’s clinical trial management systems, electronic investigator site file (eISF), and eSource platforms. These systems are already used by more than 50,000 investigators worldwide, including researchers at 90 of the top 125 academic medical centers and 90% of NCI-designated cancer centers.
According to the companies, the connected site network is designed to reduce administrative burden and improve operational visibility across study startup and trial conduct. Advarra’s Study Collaboration technology, built on its Braid data and AI platform, will provide operational intelligence to help improve protocol design, forecasting, and site feasibility decisions.
The partnership also aims to expand access to clinical trials by enabling additional research sites, including emerging and research-naïve locations, to adopt standardized technology and workflows. This approach is intended to support broader geographic participation and improve patient recruitment and retention.
“Research sites should not have to adapt their operations for every new study or sponsor…By aligning ICON’s workflows with the systems sites already use every day, we’re advancing a more practical and scalable way to run trials.”
Barry Balfe, Chief Executive Officer of ICON plc
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