VA Lessons From Partnering in COVID-19 Clinical Trials

Background: The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) supports an extensive clinical trials enterprise. Until recently, external partnerships were limited. The VA’s potential value as a partner became more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic because of its large health care system, diverse patient population, and expertise in conducting clinical trials. Observations: By leveraging its infrastructure, the VA was able to participate in 7 large-scale COVID-19 therapeutic and vaccine trials. A key aspect of this enterprise approach is the ability to provide centralized direction and coordination. The VA’s partnerships with external groups offered insights into the challenges associated with conducting important trials, especially when rapidity and coordination were essential. The ORD also developed solutions for reducing study startup time that could be established as best practices. We offer lessons for the challenges VA faced: site infrastructure needs and capabilities; study management roles and responsibilities; educational resources; local review; study design demands; contracting and budgeting; central-level systems; and communication. Conclusions: VA participation in major COVID-19 therapeutic and vaccine trials represented a significant part of its research response to the pandemic. These contributions extended beyond the participants, scientists, and data that helped inform subsequent regulatory approvals. The VA also had an opportunity to directly develop partnerships with non-VA groups. These groups became more familiar with the VA while enabling us to gain more experience in the diverse practices used to conduct multisite clinical studies. Ultimately, these efforts empower the VA to further serve the broader scientific and clinical communities.