The Biometrics FSP outsourcing market is evolving faster than ever. Looking back, 2024 was a year of transition for our industry as we put the COVID bubble in our rearview mirror and focused on efficient delivery of our portfolios. Looking ahead now to 2025, Biometrics FSP is on track for continued growth, with a strong emphasis on open-source technologies, global reach, artificial intelligence, and cost efficiency.

Here, I touch a bit on these four areas and share our thoughts on the impact they will have in 2025 and beyond.

Embracing open-source technologies

While the adoption of open-source programming has been slower in the clinical research space, tools like R and Shiny are quickly gaining traction as cost-effective and reliable solutions for data analysis and submissions.

Cytel has been leveraging open-source software for big data aggregation, application development, and validation. We will continue to be a key contributor to the open-source ecosystem and help organizations solve key design and analysis challenges, while offering access to the industry’s top R/Shiny talent pool.

Offshoring hub strategy and cost-effective solutions

The demand for more cost-effective solutions continues to drive the use of offshore resources across the industry. Cytel’s expansion into Eastern Europe and continued growth of our South Africa– and India-based teams positions us well to support our sponsors in reducing costs while maintaining the high levels of quality they have come to expect of Cytel.

Artificial intelligence

AI is revolutionizing the biometrics space by enabling real-time data monitoring, automated code generation, and improving statistical accuracy in clinical trials. By flagging anomalies and potential errors, AI reduces the risk of data discrepancies and enhances overall data quality. AI-powered tools are streamlining biometric services, automating routine tasks and allowing researchers to focus on high-value activities.

Secure data collection and real-time monitoring

Innovations in data collection and real-time monitoring are improving privacy, security, and data integrity. Advanced authentication methods and AI integration are helping ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of data.

Automation is also playing a key role by extracting data from unstructured sources, such as medical records, and reducing human error during data transcription. This further enhances the efficiency of electronic data capture (EDC) systems and boosts the overall reliability of clinical data.

Final takeaways

I’m more excited about 2025 than any year in my career. In an industry that has been criticized for moving too slowly and cautiously, we sit an inflection point for rapid evolution of decades-old models. Change can be exciting and scary all the same. Reach out — myself and our FSP experts are eager to present content and engage with you throughout the year at events such as PHUSE, JSM, SCDM, and more.

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