Merck partners with Sarah Cannon to accelerate community oncology trials

Merck & Co. has entered a collaboration with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute to expand patient access to oncology trials at community sites across the United States.

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

According to Sarah Cannon, the model has already cut site activation times by up to 50%, lifted enrollment rates 19% above the national average, and reduced data changes by 95% compared with traditional coordinator entry processes. Jennifer Coppola of Merck Research Laboratories highlighted the potential to reach patients faster and simplify protocols, making studies more accessible in patients’ own communities.