Using Smart Phones for Clinical Research Studies
Novaritis is taking a new approach with its multiple sclerosis (MS) study, elevateMS, in collecting patient data without the need of clinic visits; instead, patients can input information via mobile app built upon Apple ResearchKit platform which is designed to gather sensor-based data from physical tasks and symptoms. This real-time time data collection may better illustrate everyday life and challenges of MS patients. The mobile app can be downloaded from Apple App Store to those interested in participating in elevateMS in the US.
Novartis is not the only company embracing this relatively new method. GlaxoSmithKline used the mobile app to conduct a rheumatoid arthritis trial in 300 patients. The new platform opens more opportunity for studies like oncology struggling to enroll patients.
Sources:
http://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/novartis-taps-apple-s-researchkit-for-smartphone-ms-study
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/novartis-launches-first-large-scale-research-study-in-multiple-sclerosis-that-allows-participants-to-contribute-from-smartphones-300506716.html