AstraZeneca turns to start-up to help clinical trials

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has turned to a patient data capture start-up to help aid clinical trials.

Umotif will work alongside AstraZeneca and capture data for clinical trials using digital products.

By using Umotif, patients will be able to input data about their condition using their smartphone. The data will be able to be accessed by clinicians and doctors to help understand the effectiveness of a large number of therapies.

AstraZeneca also state that Umotif could help it better identify the side effects and severity of drugs.

With the agreement involving the use of patient data, Umotif state that it works on an opt-in basis where information is anonymous.

Speaking to CityAM, Umotif’s chief executive and founder Bruce Hellman said: “Pharmaceutical firms are looking at more patient centric approaches, providing services beyond the drug. We're seeing there's a win for everyone here: patients, the NHS and industry."

AstraZeneca is looking to utilise Umotif across a number of therapies in the clinical and commercial phase, with drugs already on the market being  a primary focus

CityAM went on to report how Hellman spoke about the start-up’s focus on patients’ willingness to share information. He said: “The key thing that we've done that others need to do is clinical proof. In future we'd like to see companies like ourselves and others provide clinical proof. And as more do, it will start snowballing.

"We're close to a tipping point. Everyone in hospitals wants this technology and patients too. Patient power is becoming a stronger driver.

The pace is getting quicker, the more you do. After the first deployment it gets easier from there. Sometimes incredible small changes can make a big difference."