Jumping the fourth hurdle of drug development: Certara takes on real-world value translation

16-Apr-2018 - Last updated on 16-Apr-2018 at 16:14 GMT

(Image: Getty/Paul Bradbury)

The acquisition of Analytica Laser adds real-world effectiveness prediction and value assessment to Certara's service portfolio – as it aims to “tackle trial to real-world value translation,” says exec.

With the acquisition of London, UK-headquartered Analytica Laser, Thomas Kerbusch, PhD, president of Certara Strategic Consulting Services, told us the company “can now offer a seamless integration of knowledge, tools, and data supporting decision-makers from discovery to approval and ultimately to the patient.”

Analytica Laser is a global research consultancy which provides market access, health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), and real-world evidence solutions. Following the transaction – terms of which were not disclosed – Analytica Laser will become part of the Certara Strategic Consulting organization.

Kerbusch explained the company identified the need to expand its service offering beyond efficacy and safety analysis into “the increasingly important area of effectiveness and value through the assessment of real-world data and prediction of real-world impact.”

“Considered the fourth hurdle of drug development, the goal of this discipline is to understand how a new drug or treatment will impact population health in terms of both clinical and economic outcomes,” he added.

As part of Certara, Kerbusch said Analytica Laser will be able to answer industry demand for value assessments from “bench to market,” offering insights into safety, efficacy, effectiveness, and real-world value for patients.

“Certara’s experience and leadership in technology development will also help to advance Analytica Laser’s HOPE, a Bayesian-engine proprietary platform that translates clinical trial findings and population health knowledge into expected real-world impact,” he added.

Certara also recently acquired BaseCase Management GmbH, a HEOR data visualization company. As Kerbusch explained, Analytica Laser’s HEOR and market access team will use BaseCase’s platform to provide data visualization and value communications.

“Seamless integration with that platform will greatly increase the impact of Analytica Laser’s advanced analytics and real-world evidence captured in value stories, dossiers and economic models when engaging with payers and health systems,” he added.