By Clara Feider, PhD, CCRA
Sr. Clinical Research Associate, CovarsaDx
The State of Clinical Research in 2025: Navigating Change and Uncertainty
Uncertainty has become a defining feature of 2025. Across industries, economic pressures and shifting federal priorities are creating an unpredictable landscape, and clinical research is no exception.
Sponsors, CROs, and clinical sites are feeling the strain of budget cuts, regulatory delays, and evolving government priorities. The result? Many companies are pulling back, putting projects on hold, and reevaluating their investment strategies.
But uncertainty doesn’t have to mean inaction. While some are retreating, others are adapting and finding ways to navigate the changes while continuing to invest in innovation. The key is knowing how to stay flexible and resilient in the face of change.
Why This Matters Now
In clinical research, hesitation can mean lost opportunities. Key challenges currently impacting the industry include:
- Budget constraints – Sponsors are cutting back on large investments, leading to layoffs and restructuring across CROs and sponsors alike.
- Regulatory uncertainty – Federal workforce shifts and budget reductions have slowed regulatory review times, making planning more difficult.
- Shifting priorities – Changing government and funding agency priorities make it harder to predict where investments should be directed.
With these challenges, it’s tempting to step back and wait for stability. But the organizations that continue to move forward—even cautiously—will be best positioned for success in the long run.
We’re Built for Change
At CovarsaDx, we understand uncertainty because we were born out of it. Our company was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when rapid adaptation wasn’t optional, but essential. That experience shaped the way we operate today:
- Flexibility is in our DNA – We are structured to accommodate changing sponsor priorities and shifting industry conditions.
- Unmatched customer support – We work closely with our sponsors to adjust strategies in real time, ensuring continued progress despite evolving challenges.
- Expanding expertise – We’ve built a diverse team with experience in respiratory, cardiovascular, oncology, dementia, and other key areas to provide broad clinical research support, no matter what the future holds.
- Regulatory insight – With federal agencies tightening public interactions, our regulatory team maintains close relationships within the government, helping sponsors navigate uncertainty and anticipate regulatory expectations.
Lessons from the Past: Adapting Through Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CovarsaDx collaborated with sponsors, government agencies, and clinical sites to execute EUA submissions under rapidly changing circumstances. This experience reinforced key lessons that remain relevant today:
- Flexibility is critical – Being able to pivot quickly keeps projects moving forward, even in times of upheaval.
- Perseverance matters – The sponsors who pressed on during uncertain times reaped long-term benefits.
- Collaboration leads to success – Working closely with regulators, sites, and partners helps mitigate risk and uncover opportunities.
These principles continue to guide us as we support sponsors through today’s challenges.
Challenges & Opportunities: The Path Forward
The temptation in uncertain times is to pull back. But companies that continue to invest in their research—wisely and strategically—will be in a stronger position when stability returns. Key strategies include:
- Stay proactive in regulatory engagement – With slower review times, it’s more important than ever to start conversations early and ensure all documentation is in place.
- Diversify your portfolio – Exploring a broader range of indications or trial types can help mitigate risk.
- Lean on experienced partners – Working with CROs that have successfully navigated past industry disruptions can provide stability and guidance.
At CovarsaDx, we are continuing to invest in our people and capabilities so that we can provide unwavering support to our sponsors now and in the future.
Taking the Next Step
Despite the uncertainty ahead, opportunities still exist for those willing to navigate the challenges with the right strategy and support. If you’re looking for a partner who understands how to operate in times of change, CovarsaDx is here to help.
Connect with our team to learn more about our expanded expertise and how we can help you move forward with confidence.
Uncertainty is inevitable. How we respond is what makes the difference.