Speed and predictability at study start-up (SSU) are critical success factors for early phase clinical research. Yet across Europe, sponsors often face recruitment uncertainty driven by long approval timelines and delayed healthy volunteer recruitment. Belgium offers a structural advantage and our SGS Clinical Pharmacology Unit (CPU) in Edegem is positioned to convert that advantage into faster, more reliable trial activation.
The Belgian advantage explained
Belgium allows standardized pre-recruitment activities before formal trial approval. This enables sponsors and research teams to already prepare screening activities in parallel with the approval process, rather than waiting for the final green light.
In practice, suitable volunteers within the CPU database can be identified and informed about the study prior to approval. Non-study-specific information, like the agenda and high-level in- and exclusion criteria, can be shared with the participants in the existing database. Screening appointments can be booked in advance to start shortly after the expected approval day. When authorization is granted, the study can move directly into execution, reducing time lost at start up and improving confidence in timelines. For early phase programs, this can translate into study starts around two weeks faster than the EU average.
For a deeper dive into Belgium’s regulatory timelines, read the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR) whitepaper or watch our CTR webinar recording.
SGS CPU digital recruitment built around regulation
We have designed our recruitment model specifically to maximize this Belgian edge. Through the Mijn Pionier app and the volunteer platform, ikbenpionier.be, volunteers can self-manage their profile, registration and appointment availability. This supports early engagement, reduces administrative burden and significantly limits no shows.
Because volunteer readiness is established early, our SGS CPU study teams can transition smoothly from approval to first inclusion, with fewer last-minute escalations and more predictable enrollment execution.
This modern approach to clinical trial recruitment delivers three clear benefits for sponsors:
- Reduce start up risk as volunteers are identified before approval
- Enrollment predictability through early engagement and structured planning
- Lower operational pressure at study start with fewer surprises and fewer delays
Faster starts without compromising quality
Speed alone is not sufficient for early phase trials. Quality depends on selecting the right participants and maintaining protocol adherence from day one. Early evaluation through structured screening improves fit-for-study participation, supports data integrity and helps reduce protocol deviations.
Recruitment is backed by an actively managed volunteer database of more than 10,000 healthy volunteers, kept engaged through continuous communication and digital self-management tools.
Turn time pressure into a competitive advantage
Belgium provides the regulatory opportunity. Our SGS CPU provides the infrastructure, digital capability and operational discipline to make it real. By combining local expertise with the Mijn Pionier digital enrollment model, we help sponsors start faster with greater confidence in both timelines and participant quality.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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