Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mario Aguilar
Published on 2024-02-29 14:00:21
Pharmaceutical companies are constantly exploring new ways to measure the impact of their experimental drugs on patients. One such approach involves the use of wearables and digital technologies to gather real-time data on various health parameters. In this evolving landscape, clinical research giant Icon has recently acquired HumanFirst, a company that specializes in helping pharmaceutical companies navigate the complex world of digital measurements.
HumanFirst, founded in 2017, boasts a comprehensive library of digital measurement tools known as Atlas. This platform houses information on a wide range of tools used to measure variables such as physical activity and sleep in clinical trials. By providing trial sponsors with access to this wealth of information, HumanFirst aims to streamline the drug development process and prevent errors that could lead to costly protocol changes. CEO Andy Coravos highlights the importance of having a robust intelligence platform to facilitate faster decision-making in clinical research.
The acquisition of HumanFirst by Icon adds another dimension to the services offered by the clinical research giant, which reported revenues of $8 billion last year from its work with pharmaceutical companies. HumanFirst had previously secured $15 million in venture capital funding, and its decision to sell to Icon reflects the shifting focus of major drug companies towards embracing digital technologies in their research endeavors.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to explore the potential of wearables and digital tools in clinical trials, acquisitions like the one between Icon and HumanFirst highlight the growing importance of digital measurements in drug development. By leveraging platforms like Atlas, trial sponsors can gain valuable insights into the latest tools available for measuring key health parameters, ultimately improving the efficiency and accuracy of clinical trials.
In conclusion, the acquisition of HumanFirst by Icon represents a strategic move towards integrating digital technologies into the drug development process. With the aim of providing trial sponsors with access to a wealth of digital measurement tools, this partnership has the potential to revolutionize the way pharmaceutical companies gather and analyze data in clinical trials. As the industry continues to evolve, collaborations between established research giants and innovative digital startups will play a key role in shaping the future of clinical research.
