ERT, Science 37 forge virtual trial data partnership

Clinical endpoint data collection specialists ERT and Science 37, a company offering decentralized clinical trial technology, will work together to incorporate ERT’s Cardiac Safety, Respiratory and Imaging solutions into Science 37’s decentralized trial offerings. According to the companies, the combination of the two technologies holds the potential to significantly boost data quality while simultaneously easing burdens placed on patient participants.

Regarding traditional clinical trial models, patients may be asked to travel across long distances to get to a site. This can create inconvenience (especially if the patient is faced with mobility challenges), and increase risk via exposure to COVID-19 and other potentially deadly pathogens.

With a decentralized or virtual trial, patients are able to participate in trials from their homes, which can greatly reduce or eliminate many obstacles associated with travel to a brick-and-mortar research site. Both approaches call for the same level of data integrity and endpoint technologies.

The ERT and Science 37 technology collaboration reportedly enables sponsors to capture the same high-quality data in a virtual model as it would in a traditional model, while at the same time lowering patient burden, minimizing patient risk and enabling study continuity.

Jim Corrigan, CEO of ERT, said that the pandemic has created a number of obstacles for trial teams to overcome.

“Given the challenges caused by COVID-19, trial sponsors need effective virtual trial solutions that enable patients to participate safely, without jeopardizing data quality​,” he said. “We’re pleased to partner with Science 37 and to expand the use of our Respiratory, Cardiac Safety and Imaging solutions to support virtual trials throughout the pandemic and beyond​.”

During home and telemedicine visits, Science 37 plans to use use ERT’s remote respiratory and cardiac safety data collection solutions. Additionally, Science 37 will leverage ERT’s Imaging services through a local-care network, with the goal of limiting patient travel through use of medical imaging services that are closer to home.

“We are delighted to partner with ERT and to work together in bringing these best-in-class offerings to patients and sponsors​,” said David Coman, CEO of Science 37. “As we make virtual trials the new reality, this partnership enables us to reduce patient burden and provide the high-quality data trial sponsors require as they evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medical treatments​.”