Power: Simplifying Clinical Trials For Patients
In an enlightening episode of our podcast, we had the distinct pleasure of conversing with Mr. Brandon Li, the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Power. At a juncture where the world is witnessing monumental advancements in biomedical innovation, it's rather unsettling that a staggering 85% of clinical trials grapple with recruiting a sufficient number of participants. Power seeks to turn the tide in this domain. Their innovative platform facilitates an easier connection between patients and pertinent clinical trials, playing a pivotal role in groundbreaking medical research. A remarkable assembly of hundreds of thousands have already engaged with their platform, with a tally of over 7,000 successful matches.
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Salient Points from our Discussion:
TAKEAWAY 1: The Imperative of Fair Representation and Accessibility
The current landscape shows only 5% of trial participants being non-white, posing grave concerns regarding accessibility and representation. Diverse trials are not merely a matter of principle but are essential for scientific rigour. In this context, Power stands out, with 40% of their patients coming from non-white backgrounds
TAKEAWAY 2: Navigating the Trial Labyrinth and the Role of Advocacy
The government's trial-related website can be quite the quagmire. A prevailing sentiment is that "Patients ought to be their own champions." While medical practitioners assist, many find the process somewhat cumbersome.
Power is filling in this gap by making the data more consumable.
TAKEAWAY 3: Power’s Bespoke Approach and the Nuances of Trial Matching
Marketplaces vary in their offerings. By analogy, the identity of one's Uber driver might be of little concern, but selecting an Airbnb is a more personalised affair. Clinical trials demand meticulous matching, with each patient-trial pair being uniquely tailored.
TAKEAWAY 4: The Dynamics of Incentives and Addressing the Ecosystem
The challenge isn't purely technological; it's about aligning incentives. While clinical trial sites aim for fruitful research, many coordinators, spread across various projects, can sometimes lose sight of their work's profound impact. Adopting a bottom-up approach, focusing squarely on patients, promises a more harmonious alignment of the broader ecosystem, with sponsors and providers following suit.
