A toolkit for new facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy trial sites

Numerous potential treatments are being developed for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Project Mercury was initiated to overcome challenges that could slow or prevent effective therapies from widespread availability to patients. It is important that upcoming trials include trial sites from different countries. We share our lessons learnt in clinical trials to assist inexperienced sites to become eligible for upcoming clinical trials. To become an eligible site, several key elements need to be in place such as personnel, facilities, and accessible patient populations. Clinical trial networks, patient advocacy groups and patient registries can support new sites in establishing these elements. As the preparation, execution and close-out of clinical trials generally involve the same steps every time, it is recommended to create and follow a trial roadmap. Most clinical trials are sponsor-initiated and involve working closely with the sponsor and vendors. It is therefore important to understand each other perspectives and goals for each trial. Once a drug receives regulatory approval and becomes available for market use new challenges arise such as patient reimbursement and phase 4 surveillance of the patients. In summary, we are at a pivotal time for FSHD and other rare neuromuscular disorders with the development of new disease modifying therapies. It is vital that as many sites as possible can participate in upcoming trials.