Woodruff Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials Office

Bridge the gap

We facilitate the necessary work before trials open, bridging the gap between discovery and therapy improvements. Our work results in improved patient outcomes by speeding the development of novel therapies and interventions.

Negotiate budgets and contracts

We work with Emory research teams and industry partners to manage key contractual elements—such as intellectual property, indemnification, and injury language—to ensure clinical trials are conducted efficiently and ethically. We ensure sufficient funding support to conduct the research.

Facilitate trial activation

We assess and address needs such as additional departmental approvals and budgets (e.g., radiology), activation at Grady, patient stipends, and alignment of contract language with informed consent documents.

Improved processes

We continually refine clinical trials best practices, tools, and technology to allow for a faster turnaround time and an increase in the number of clinical trials activated.

Accelerated trial start-up

We reduce median contract and budget negotiation times from more than 150 days to fewer than 60, helping bring innovative medications and devices to patients and investigators more rapidly.

Improved communication

We meet with teams and sponsors within one week of receiving materials, follow up every two to three days, and troubleshoot barriers.

Centralized expertise

We streamline processes and improve efficiency by bringing budgeting and contracting staff together in one office.

Increased transparency and accountability

We have created a trial status dashboard, accessible to all Emory teams involved in industry trials, and set auto-approval expectations for coverage analyses and budget approvals.