Contract Research Organizations (CROs) are witnessing a remarkable evolution in the neurology clinical trial landscape, driven by scientific innovation and increasing demand for effective treatments. The surge in trials targeting neurological disorders is not just a trend—it’s a strategic pivot driven by unmet medical needs, scientific breakthroughs, and a renewed commitment from sponsors and CROs alike.
A Market on the Rise
The global neurology clinical trials market is projected to grow from $5.84 billion in 2024 to $8.42 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.39% per a recent Grandview Research Report. (1) This growth is fueled by the increasing prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Notably, CNS drugs now represent 14% of the total industry pipeline, making neurology the second-largest therapeutic area in active clinical trials.
Why Neurology, Why Now?
Several factors are converging to make neurology a focal point for clinical research:
- Aging populations are driving up the incidence of age-related neurological conditions.
- Scientific innovation is overcoming long-standing barriers in CNS drug development, such as the blood-brain barrier and disease heterogeneity as mentioned in the article, “Breaking Barriers in CNS Drug Development: Innovations Reshaping Neurology” by MC Services. (2)
- Precision medicine and biomarkers are enabling more targeted and effective therapies.
- Digital health technologies—from wearables to AI-powered diagnostics—are transforming how we monitor and assess neurological function.
The Role of CROs in Shaping the Future
CROs are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The neurology CRO market alone is expected to reach $11.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.65% according to Credence Research. (3)
Our value lies in our ability to:
- Design complex trials tailored to neurological endpoints.
- Recruit and retain complex patient populations, often with rare or progressive conditions.
- Leverage decentralized trial models to improve accessibility and compliance.
- Integrate advanced analytics and neuroimaging to enhance data quality and trial outcomes.
Linical, a leading neuroscience CRO, exemplifies this impact. With deep therapeutic knowledge across pain, cognitive, movement, neuromuscular, and mood disorders, Linical’s global teams bring strategic insight and operational excellence to neurology and psychiatry trials. Their experience navigating complex trial designs and rare disease populations is matched by strong site relationships and alliances with key opinion leaders, imaging centers, and central labs. Linical’s adaptable project teams and proven patient recruitment strategies—across institutional settings, nursing homes, and home environments—ensure high-quality data and timely execution.
Challenges We Must Address
Despite the momentum, neurology trials face unique hurdles:
- High failure rates due to complex pathophysiology and subjective endpoints.
- Recruitment difficulties, especially in rare diseases and underrepresented populations.
- Regulatory complexities that require specialized expertise and adaptive trial designs.
These challenges underscore the importance of collaboration between sponsors, CROs, investigators, and patients. We must continue to innovate in trial design, embrace patient-centric models, and advocate for regulatory flexibility.
Looking Ahead
The future of neurology trials is bright. With continued investment, strategic partnerships, and technological integration, we are entering a new era of neuroscience research—one that promises not only better treatments but also earlier diagnoses and improved quality of life for millions.
As CROs, we are not just service providers—we are strategic partners in advancing neurological care. Let’s continue to push boundaries, share insights, and work together to shape the future of clinical research.
Sources:
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/neurology-clinical-trials-market-report
- https://informaconnect.com/breaking-barriers-in-cns-drug-development-innovations-reshaping-neurology/
- https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/neurology-contract-research-organization-market
Author:
Alaina Dobos
Senior Clinical Trial Manager - Linical