According to GlobalData’s Clinical Trials Database, the first half of 2025 has shown a clear increase in global clinical trial initiations, marking a shift from the slowdown of recent years. A combination of stronger biotech funding, fewer trial cancellations, and faster movement from planning to study start has supported this rise. One example is Medpace’s Q2 performance, where revenue grew by double digits and guidance for FY2025 was raised by 11%. The company highlighted lower cancellations, faster backlog conversion, and more efficient start-up processes as drivers. Its results not only lifted its own share price but also boosted wider CRO sector confidence.
Accurately tracking trial initiations has often been a challenge because start dates are not always disclosed or are reported incorrectly. GlobalData’s benchmarking of nearly 80,000 company-sponsored studies shows improvements: around 53% of trials now disclose initiation within the correct quarter, and 87% are reported correctly within a year of starting. However, GlobalData projects roughly 13% of trials remain undisclosed in early stages, meaning the overall volume is still underreported at the time of initiation.
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Regional growth patterns show that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) is the strongest driver of activity. Comparing Q2 2024 and Q2 2025, China, India, South Korea, and Japan all ranked in the global top five countries for trial growth, alongside the US. India is attracting both innovator and repurposed trials due to its large patient population, lower costs, and increasing focus on high-quality data. South Korea stands out for its hospital networks and efficient regulatory system, while Japan benefits from government incentives to encourage trial investment. Together, these markets are becoming critical to global development strategies.
This growth brings clear implications. CROs will see rising demand for outsourced trial management, regulatory support, and digital innovation. Asian CMOs are well placed to capture more business in specialty drugs and advanced technologies, with opportunities to scale up or expand through acquisitions. Suppliers of packaging, logistics, and comparators must also prepare for higher volumes and more complex compliance requirements across the region.
Much of the recent growth in APAC is concentrated in single-country trials, often linked to local companies or sponsors pursuing domestic approvals. In China, Phase II activity is particularly strong, but trials across Phases I–III continue to expand. Companies such as Innovent are among the leaders in trial initiations, highlighting the role of regional players in driving activity.
Overall, the 2025 surge reflects better execution, stronger funding, and faster movement across regions. For CROs, CMOs, and investors, this points to both immediate opportunities and long-term changes in the way R&D pipelines are managed worldwide.
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By GlobalData
