Collaborative pilot study set to validate the use of wearables in clinical trials

Global biopharmaceutical services organisation, Parexel, and global life sciences company, Sanofi, are collaborating on a pilot study to advance the use of wearable devices in the collection of data and management of clinical trials.

As wearables are becoming ever more popular and the technology more advanced, allowing for greater connectivity between devices, the potential of this technology to assist in the management of clinical trials is increasing. Not only can data be collected continuously and remotely but also the potential patient population could be more expansive, including those who may not be able to travel to a clinic to participate, for example. As reported in Digital Health Age this is an emerging field that offers multiple benefits to healthcare providers.

The single-site study from Parexel and Sanofi will evaluate the recently launched patient sensor solution from Parexel and the potential of wearables to remotely collect data during clinical trials. Patient data is being collected remotely and simultaneously via multiple wearable devices and the final study results are anticipated to be released in the near future.

“We believe the use of wearables to collect data from clinical trial participants represents a breakthrough in the digital transformation within the industry,” said Xavier Flinois, president, Parexel Informatics. “Working with Sanofi, we believe we have a strong opportunity to streamline and automate data collection from multiple devices, collect high-quality data remotely and generate meaningful results, all while reducing burden on patients and sites, as well as lowering costs.”

“Our objective is to demonstrate the relevance of data collected remotely and the overall feasibility of utilising wearables in clinical trials,” added Lionel Bascles, global head of Clinical Sciences and Operations of Sanofi. “Wearables are a core component of Sanofi’s digital trials strategy, and represent an important approach to automate patient processes using the latest technologies to bring new therapies to patients sooner. We are pleased to be collaborating with Parexel and leveraging their multi-functional expertise in this area, We are committed to further advancing the potential of this technology.”

Parexel’s patient sensor solution, launched back in March this year, offers the secure capture, transmission, storage and visualisation of study data from clinical trials. It is powered by Perceptive MyTrials Analytics platform, enabling an end-to-end services and technology solution.