Keck School of Medicine of USC and Science 37® Collaborate on Largest Ever NIH-Funded, Telemedicine-Based Dermatology Study

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Science 37, the industry leader in virtual clinical trials, and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) recently announced a partnership agreement that will support the execution of a $3.4 million study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the largest telemedicine-based dermatology study ever funded by the organization. The new collaboration combines the expertise from Science 37 in executing virtual clinical studies with the extensive research capabilities of the Keck School to determine whether telemedicine can deliver care that is equivalent to being seen in-person for patients with eczema.

"Our experts are committed to exploring innovative ways to provide advanced care for our patients," says David Peng, MD, MPH, chair and professor of clinical dermatology at the Keck School. "This includes examining how technology-enabled healthcare delivery can be used to allow patients to more easily access the care they need."

The study, led by April Armstrong, MD, MPH, associate dean of clinical research and professor of dermatology at the Keck School, and supported by the NIH grant, will evaluate telemedicine as a method of care for more than 300 patients with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema. Many patients with eczema or other chronic skin conditions experience poor health outcomes because they lack regular access to dermatologists. In this study, Armstrong and her research team will determine whether telemedicine can improve access, reduce disease severity, improve quality of life, and save healthcare costs.

"A research partnership with the Keck School of Medicine of USC underscores the bright future ahead for telemedicine, virtual studies, and patient-centered research," says Jonathan Cotliar, MD, chief medical officer at Science 37. "The road to improved health outcomes begins with delivering care at the patient's convenience whenever possible, and we're excited to embark on research with USC that could transform the patient experience for those with eczema."

Researchers will use NORA^® from Science 37, the industry's first and only comprehensive tool to fully operationalize a virtual study, to communicate with patients during the study. Patients will also submit ePROs (electronic patient-reported outcomes) through NORA. The platform is purpose-built to support the unique workflows, processes, and systems of virtual studies and adheres to the highest industry quality and regulatory standards. It digitally centralizes data collection and is integrated into a sponsor's system to ensure the automated exchange of reliable and high-quality data available in near-real time. NORA also supports patient centricity by accelerating recruitment and providing a direct, personalized patient experience for those who participate in research.

About Science 37
Enabled by digital technologies and innovation, Science 37® is reimagining clinical research. The patient experience is transformed by pushing research beyond the confines of offices and hospitals and into the comfort and convenience of the home. Recognized as the industry leader, our unrivaled expertise and comprehensive platform, along with direct, concierge-level patient services gives partners confidence that Science 37 will execute a study with the highest regard for patient safety and data integrity. The Science 37 model is flexible, meeting companies at any point along the virtual study journey. Learn more at Science 37, and follow Science 37 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

This research was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at the National Institutes of Health (grant R01AR073486).

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