Hi Upthefog,
I don't know the specifics of the ATL-1102 recruitment strategy, but I do know generally, and from my own experiences with trials that GPs and Specialists will approach their patients if they believe they meet the criteria for a trial, for sure this happens.
Advocacy groups who have databases can also be involved and community groups of those with the ailments can also be utilised.
Below is a suggested methodology of an Australian health company, just to show some of the frameworks that can be utilised.
It is also interesting to note that a study from 8 or 9 years ago found that only 20% of trials meet their recruitment deadline.
It's always good to have a practical and realistic understanding of timelines.
Based on the way things are looking, even though some news may filter earlier, there is potential that the ATL-1102 trial may blow out till this time next year, for the official finish. With final conclusions finished the first half of 2025.
That's speculative at the moment, but with delays, which happen in nearly all trials, the finalisation date becomes more likely to extend, but we can always hope for recruitment to gain momentum in the latter half of that aspect.
Initial Contact
The key to success in clinical trials may be in how a participant is initially contacted. After all, without a successful initiation, a participant will not join a trial.
Digital Recruitment
As consumers and patients increasingly turn online for medical and treatment information, digital recruitment campaigns have become the new standard in clinical trials.
If you are using social media and search engines, it is important to research targeted keywords for your patient populations. For social media advertising, be specific with which demographics you are targeting: you need to send the right message to the right people.
Clinical trial apps like
ClinTrial Refer can also provide fruitful opportunities for recruitment.
Ultimately, you might need to enlist some help from a person with digital marketing experience.
Use a patient database
Evaluate your own patient database. Alternatively, your site might have designated staff for recruitment pre-screening, who can connect patients with clinical trial opportunities.
Share your trial information
Patients respect their clinicians and might prefer to hear about clinical trial opportunities from them. Consider putting together materials about your trial designed specifically for doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Use pre-existing relationships between your site and local hospitals or general practices to spread the word. Meeting with them face-to-face, or connecting with doctors at conferences or workshops can be a valuable way to get the message out.
Connect with community and patient advocates
Organise to present at local patient support groups, and community groups or hold a stand at a community fair.
Engage a clinical trial patient recruitment company
If you lack the resources to undertake recruitment, engage a recruitment company. Meet with several to discuss your budget and needs; they may offer digital advertising, access to a database, or connect you to a not-for-profit organisation that undertakes work in the therapeutic area being researched.
