Changes in ownership in the clinical trial ecosystem can facilitate product pipeline advancement, expand geographic reach, and create operating efficiencies. These transactions also require precise navigation of significant contractual, regulatory, and operational risks. Clinical trial agreements (CTAs) sit at the center of that complexity. Failure to properly review and navigate CTAs during the transaction process can stall closing, trigger regulatory scrutiny, or disrupt ongoing studies.

This article distills key considerations to help anticipate and mitigate the risks that CTAs and diligence in the clinical trial space present during mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Heading For An M&A? Understand The Risks And Mitigation Strategies For Clinical Trial Agreements,” Clinical Leaders, November 10, 2025