Life is still buzzing at Trialbee - CEO Matt Walz on successfully guiding patients through clinical trials
During the successful SCOPE Summit held in Orlando earlier this year, OSP was delighted to catch up with Matt Walz, who is CEO of the company that gets patients from referrals through to clinical trials using its Honey platform.
OSP: Can you provide an update on Trialbee since we met at the last conference?
MW: Since our last meeting in September, Trialbee has been actively growing and evolving. We recently announced a partnership with Massive Bio, which we're very excited about. This partnership will focus on collaborating on oncology studies, leveraging each other's strengths in patient recruitment. Additionally, we introduced a new insights module into our Honey platform, allowing for a more granular analysis of patient recruitment channels and acquisition costs. This helps our clients optimize their recruitment strategies and lower the cost of randomized patients. At the end of last year, we had our annual all-employee gathering in Sweden, which we call ‘the swarm,’ where we engaged in a creative role-playing exercise to better understand the challenges research sites face.
OSP: How did the partnership with Massive Bio come about, and are you open to more partnerships?
MW: Our partnership stemmed from discussions we initiated in the fall. We recognized synergies between our businesses, particularly in the realm of oncology studies. While we're open to additional partnerships, we already have numerous collaborations in progress, spanning various sectors such as online disease communities, patient cooperatives, and pharmacies.
OSP: How do you leverage pharmacy data for patient recruitment, and what are the consent requirements?
MW: We utilize pharmacy data to identify potential participants for clinical trials. Pharmacies like Evernote have access to patient prescription information, allowing us to target individuals who may be suitable candidates for specific studies. However, patients must provide consent to be contacted for clinical trial opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
OSP: What technological advancements are Trialbee focusing on, and how do they differentiate you in the market?
MW: We're continually enhancing our Honey platform to provide clients with valuable insights and streamline site workflows. The recent addition of the insight module allows for deeper analytics and better decision-making regarding patient recruitment channels. Moreover, we're developing features to support program-level management of multiple studies, along with integrating site workflows to improve patient tracking and engagement. These innovations, coupled with our robust platform, position Trialbee as a leader in the market.
OSP: The business is going well, what sage advice would you give to college graduates keen on entering the industry?
MW: I always encourage individuals to follow their passion and seek out opportunities that align with their interests and values. Choosing a workplace with a positive culture is essential, as it fosters personal and professional growth. Additionally, don't solely focus on salary; prioritize roles that resonate with you on a deeper level.
OSP: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the industry, and how is Trialbee addressing it?
MW: Patient recruitment and enrollment remain significant challenges in clinical development. Trialbee is dedicated to solving this problem by leveraging technology, partnerships, and strategic insights to optimize recruitment strategies and enhance patient engagement throughout the trial process.
OSP: Any final thoughts or reflections?
MW: Our work in the clinical trial space is ultimately about helping patients, and it's important to keep that perspective at the forefront. I'm incredibly proud of the impact Trialbee has had, and I look forward to continuing our mission of improving patient recruitment and enrollment in clinical trials.
