Dyslipidemia  Clinical Trial  Recruitment Case Study

More than 93 million American adults have high cholesterol, significantly increasing their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Despite this prevalence, many individuals remain untreated, creating a critical gap in  preventive cardiovascular care.

The challenge? Connect qualified participants with a clinical trial targeting adults with high cholesterol who weren’t taking medication. Through strategic targeting of at-risk demographics and environments, we delivered quality participants while cutting recruitment costs in half, all on time and under budget.

The implications extend far beyond metrics. Each enrolled participant represents an individual taking control of their cardiovascular health, and our success means accelerating access to potentially life-changing treatments. This case study reveals how innovative targeting strategies can not only drive clinical research efficiency but also help address one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges.

Drive Targeted Participant Engagement
We aimed to identify and attract adults aged 18-70 with high cholesterol who weren’t taking medication, focusing particularly on those with moderate to high BMI. Given the high screen fail rate, our strategy required precision targeting to generate a substantial volume of qualified leads.

Target High-Prevalence Demographics
Our strategy focused on the 40+ age group where cholesterol issues are more prevalent, implementing a 60/40 male/female targeting ratio to reflect condition demographics. We also specifically targeted individuals in work environments that might predispose  them to unhealthy eating and high cholesterol.

Generate Quality Patient Referrals
Beyond pure numbers, we needed to ensure referred candidates matched the study criteria precisely, using A/B testing of diverse, relatable copy and images to connect with potential participants concerned about their untreated high cholesterol.

Optimize Local Engagement Channels
By developing a combination of social media and paid search strategies with clear, compelling messaging, we worked to minimize no-shows and screen failures while steadily reducing the cost per referral over the course of the campaign.

Strategic Demographic Focus
We developed a targeted approach based on prevalence data, focusing on adults aged 18–70 with high cholesterol not taking medication. Our strategy emphasized the 40+ age group with a 60/40 male/female targeting ratio, and specifically included individuals with moderate to high BMI who showed concern about their condition.

Data-Driven Audience Segmentation
Through rigorous demographic analysis, we:
+  Identified workplace environments predisposing to unhealthy eating habits
+  Created A/B testing frameworks for diverse, relatable messaging
+  Developed targeting criteria for individuals concerned but not medicated
+  Analyzed engagement patterns to optimize ad performance

Multi-Channel Local Engagement
Our integrated approach leveraged:
+  Strategic combination of social media platforms for demographic targeting
+  Optimized paid search campaigns focusing on local engagement
+  Geotargeted advertising in high-prevalence communities
+  Custom messaging that resonated with untreated cholesterol concerns

Campaign Performance Optimization
We implemented a dynamic feedback system to:
+  Monitor cost per referral metrics
+  Refine copy to reduce no-show rates compared to prior studies
+  Scale successful messaging based on engagement data
+  Progressively reduce acquisition costs while maintaining quality

Our strategically targeted campaign delivered exceptional results that redefined efficiency in clinical trial recruitment:

On-Time, Under-Budget Success
+  Campaign completed all recruitment goals within schedule parameters
+  Delivered required participant volume despite high screen failure rate
+  Maintained steady flow of qualified referrals throughout the study period

Progressive Cost Optimization
+  Halved cost per referral within just two months of campaign launch
+  Significantly outperformed previous recruitment benchmarks
+  Achieved maximum impact while maintaining budget efficiency

Quality Participant Engagement
+  Clear, relatable messaging substantially reduced no-show rates
+  Successfully engaged the targeted 60/40 male/female demographic ratio
+  Effectively reached adults in high-risk occupational environments

Through precise demographic targeting and authentic messaging, we crafted a recruitment strategy that deeply resonated with potential participants. This data-driven approach, combined with continuous optimization, didn’t just meet enrollment goals, it delivered them with unprecedented cost efficiency.

The results tell a compelling story: recruitment targets achieved on time and under budget, cost per referral cut in half within two months, and a steady flow of qualified participants that matched the study’s specific demographic requirements. But beyond the metrics lies an even more significant achievement: accelerating access to potentially life-changing cholesterol management solutions.

This campaign demonstrates that when strategic targeting meets continuous performance optimization, we can dramatically improve clinical research recruitment while maintaining the highest standards of participant quality. We’ve established a new benchmark for what’s possible in trial recruitment – one that combines precision, efficiency, and exceptional value.

Impact at a Glance
+  Full enrollment completed on schedule despite high screen failure rate
+  Cost per referral reduced by 50% through campaign optimization
+  Clear messaging that significantly reduced no-show rates
+  Strategic targeting that delivered the right participants at the right cost