Merck partners with Sarah Cannon to accelerate community oncology trials

Merck and Sarah Cannon Research Institute announced a collaboration to improve patient access to oncology trials at community sites across the United States.

The partnership will use SCRI’s Accelero delivery model, which aims to streamline trial operations by handling health record data transfer, speeding site start‑up, and matching sponsors with sites in SCRI’s network.

SCRI reports the model can activate sites up to 50% faster, boost enrollment rates by 19% above the national average, and cut data changes by 95% compared with traditional coordinator entry.

Merck’s associate vice president highlighted that the approach could bring patients to trials more quickly, reduce protocol complexity, and make studies more accessible in the communities where patients live.