CRC CEO Tom Zoda Leads Key Discussion on CNS Clinical Trials at ASCP 2026

On May 26, 2026, Tom Zoda, Ph.D., CEO of Cognitive Research Corporation (CRC), chaired an impactful panel at the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology's (ASCP) Annual Meeting held in Miami Beach, Florida. The focus of the discussion was on mitigating preventable failure risks in central nervous system (CNS) clinical trials, a critical topic given the complexities involved in this area of research.

Titled "Speed Kills: Why CNS Clinical Trials Fail and How to Protect Signal, Patients, and Programs," the 90-minute panel session assembled a diverse group of experts including Stephen Brannan, M.D., David Walling, Ph.D., Patrick Harrington, Ph.D., and discussant Alexandria Wise, Ph.D. Together, they explored how various operational decision-making factors can significantly influence the reliability of CNS trial outcomes.

Key Points of Discussion

The panelists addressed several factors that contribute to the frequently observed failures in CNS clinical trials. Among these factors were: enrollment quality, the qualification and oversight of raters, the complexity of operations, and the challenges of study execution. The combination of these elements often hinders the ability of clinical trials to accurately differentiate between real treatment effects.

A particularly critical aspect of the discussion was the concept that failures in CNS trials are seldom due to a single issue. Instead, they often arise from a series of interrelated operational challenges that create additional noise, complicate the interpretation of results, and reduce the separation between drug and placebo responses. The panel emphasized how many CNS indications are already prone to heterogeneous clinical presentations and subjective endpoints, which can further complicate analyses.

Protecting Signal Integrity

Zoda highlighted the importance of protecting the integrity of the signal in CNS trials. He stated, "The discussion reinforced how sensitive CNS trials are to operational and methodological pressures that can compromise interpretability. Protecting signal integrity requires thoughtful alignment between scientific intent, operational execution, endpoint quality, and realistic development expectations from the earliest stages of study planning."

The panelists also shared insights into strategies organizations can employ to enhance interpretability and reduce variability in CNS studies. These included implementing more deliberate enrollment strategies, establishing structured practices for rater qualification and oversight, ensuring operational consistency across study sites, and fostering stronger cross-functional alignment during initial study planning and startup phases.

The discussions at the ASCP Annual Meeting underscored the significant challenge presented by CNS clinical trials and provided a multifaceted perspective on how to navigate these complexities. By encouraging a collaborative approach among trial sponsors, investigators, and operational teams, the panel aims to pave the way for more successful outcomes in future CNS clinical research.

About the ASCP Annual Meeting

The ASCP Annual Meeting serves as a platform for academic researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and regulatory experts dedicated to advancing neuropsychiatric drug development and CNS clinical research. This annual gathering is vital for fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of psychopharmacology.

About Cognitive Research Corporation

Cognitive Research Corporation (CRC) specializes in clinical research related to neuroscience, offering services for Phase I-III trials in neurology, psychiatry, and analgesia. With two decades of experience dedicated exclusively to CNS research, CRC combines scientific expertise with operational rigor to produce reliable, actionable results that meet regulatory standards. For more information, visit www.cogres.com.