LIFESCIENCELEADER.COM MARCH 2015
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TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES FROM
NONTRADITIONAL SOURCES
When discussing advances made in wear-
able technologies, Bell gives a nod to gaming
developers. Quality of life initiatives exist
within companies like Nintendo that are
attempting to bring better fitness apps to
the gaming generation.
"These companies are outstanding at
rapid prototyping, creating user-friendly
interfaces, and having profound customer
insight," she says. "Samsung is involved
in a partnership with UCSF, co-running
a lab to validate sensor technology that
is expected to lead to better preventive
health solutions."
Bell adds, "I think we can envision a
world in which there are companies that
know a lot more about diseases pharma is
interested in, as well as the drugs we sell.
Technology presents opportunities for
pharmaceutical companies to reinforce
the core drug business and move into new
and different spaces."
USE TECHNOLOGY TO ENGAGE PATIENTS
One aspect of the advances in technology
that has Bell most excited is patient
recruitment via websites and social
media. She references a partnership
between Biogen Idec and MyHealthTeams
to illustrate her point.
MyHealthTeams is a Silicon Valley-based
start-up that provides "mini-Facebooks"
for specific disease communities.
For example, a patient with breast
cancer can become a part of the
MyBreastCancerTeam. Similar teams are
in place for autism, multiple sclerosis,
lupus, and more. The teams are only open
to patients who have the disease or, in
some cases such as autism, those who are
caring for someone with the disease.
The user communities are highly engaged
with an interest in clinical trials. The
monthly active use rate for most groups is
more than 50 percent, and it's not unusual
to get an 85 percent response rate when
querying members about relevant clinical
trials. This allows sponsors to target their
outreach.
Bell notes Biogen Idec approached
patients on MyMSTeam with relapsing
MS who were in the relevant age demo-
graphic and on an existing specified
therapy (Beta-Interferon).
"Patients were sent an email asking
if they would be interested in the trial
and speaking with a screener," says Bell.
"At that time, Biogen Idec's baseline for
trial screening was five patients a week.
Within 24 hours of sending the email, 35
patients had been screened. This ability
to tap into an incredibly engaged popula-
tion and get quick responses has been
encouraging."
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