The number of pharmaceutical research companies experiencing disruptions in their operations because of COVID-19 continues to rise. Many companies have made the difficult decision to pause or delay their clinical trials. Below is a summary of the major industry players who have publicly announced enrollment holds or study delays.
Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly has hit pause on most of its ongoing studies and delayed new trial starts. At this time, Eli Lilly still expects to meet timelines on their late phase studies with the exception of its mirikizumab trials for gastrointestinal indications.
Pfizer
Pfizer has placed at least a three week hold on all enrollment, with the exception of certain studies for life threatening indications.
Vertex
Vertex has not revealed specific details but is seeing disruptions in its study pipeline which includes drugs for cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, and others. The company is exploring virtual options to maintain study continuity.
Moderna
Moderna has halted enrollment for a number of infectious and rare disease trials. While the biotech is continuing enrollment in its ongoing cancer trials, it expects enrollment delays due to COVID-19
Bristol Myers-Squibb
BMS will delay new site activation until at least April 13 and also pause enrollment in many of its cell therapy trials.
The growing list of companies that have paused clinical trials also includes Merck, Enanta, Galapagos, and Provention Bio. Other companies such as Abbvie and Amgen continue to monitor the situation closely.
It remains to be seen for how long these policies will be necessary. In this rapidly evolving environment, pharmaceutical companies will likely have to continuously adjust their strategies in order to preserve patient safety and data integrity.