MJFF, H1 working to boost participation in clinical trials
MJFF will use H1’s Trial database to connect physicians, researchers and patients
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is partnering with H1 to enhance the connections between physicians, researchers and patients with Parkinson’s disease.
MJFF will use H1’s Trial Landscape platform to identify and communicate with lead researchers and physicians treating Parkinson’s patients, including those in populations typically unrepresented in research. Access to H1’s global database of healthcare providers and clinical trials will allow MJFF to educate patients on available studies while encouraging participation.
“Engaging diverse populations in clinical studies is critical to advancing treatment and care for all those living with PD [Parkinson’s disease],” Maggie Kuhl, MJFF vice president of research engagement, said in a press release.
“We know that many study volunteers learn of these opportunities from their treating physician. More information on who is treating people with PD — and especially populations traditionally underrepresented in research — can help us deliver the information and tools that will enable those conversations and lead to greater representation in studies,” Kuhl said. “H1 Trial Landscape is a valuable tool to identify and connect with those providers.”
H1 uses next-generation analytics and artificial intelligence to enable access to healthcare data, diversity insights, and research. Its healthcare data platform Trial Landscape integrates diversity, inclusion and performance data to facilitate clinical trial planning and recruitment strategies.
“We are proud to partner with The Michael J. Fox Foundation in their mission of helping the world better understand Parkinson’s and support patients living with the disease,” said Ariel Katz, CEO and co-founder of H1. “As a result of our partnership, the Foundation will have access to our extensive global database of healthcare providers and clinical trials to improve how they connect with physicians and patients, and ultimately make strides in one day finding a cure.”
Reaching physicians is critical
While clinical trials are a key and vital step in the search of novel therapies for Parkinson’s, reaching out to patients, including those in more unrepresented groups, is often challenging. Identifying on a large-scale physicians who are treating Parkinson’s patients is imperative for researchers and clinical trial teams to enroll more representative patient populations. Also, it makes trials more visible to patients and encourages participation.
H1’s platform includes more than 10 million healthcare providers globally and more than 420,000 clinical trials. MJFF will use this wide network to gather comprehensive information about patient populations and understand treatment approaches. This knowledge should allow the foundation to not only better understand the specific needs and challenges of underrepresented patient populations, but also to develop new treatment strategies.
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