myTomorrows, an Amsterdam-based health technology company, has partnered with Scout, a services and technology company for the biopharmaceutical industry, to ease patient recruitment for international (cross-border) trials.
The companies noted that the partnership will help streamline and enhance cross-border patient recruitment for clinical trials. Adding, “the patient journey is optimized by connecting trial matching to personalized domestic and cross-border support services.”
“By removing barriers and overcoming the geographic silos of traditional trials, we provide every patient, regardless of location or personal circumstances, with a real opportunity to participate” said Michel van Harten, MD, CEO of myTomorrows.
“By partnering with Scout Clinical, we aim to make clinical research more viable and accessible, by connecting to trial sites beyond their immediate proximity, whether across borders or within large domestic regions. Our inventive approach directly addresses the industry’s critical need to expand patient access whilst easing logistical burdens for patients and their families. By breaking down these barriers we materially improve the patient journey and accelerate clinical research.”
How will the partnership work?
International trial recruitment offers a variety of advantages, including increasing the eligible patient pool, especially in rare disease trials, and increasing the generalizability of study results. However, there can be barriers to conducting cross-border trials, such as fragmented information systems, regulatory differences, visa requirements, and differing data privacy processes, along with linguistic and cultural barriers. All of these can lead to prolonged recruitment times and increased trial costs.
The partnerships between myTomorrows and Scout are designed to eliminate obstacles associated with cross-border trials. The Patient Navigator team from myTomorrows will assist patients in identifying initial trial options and conducting pre-screening. Meanwhile, the Scout Clinical service line will provide a range of support services, including travel arrangements, expense reimbursements, pre-funded debit cards for out-of-pocket expenses, and accommodation assistance, which covers both short-term lodging and long-term housing for relocated patients and their families.
Furthermore, assistance with visas and entry and exit procedures is expected to alleviate the burdens faced by patients, families, and caregivers.
“Our partnership with myTomorrows is a win-win for all stakeholders across the clinical trial ecosystem,” said Scout CEO Moisha Platto.
“By addressing key barriers early, sites can efficiently manage international patient intake and expand their reach. Patients will benefit from a clearer understanding of the process and access to a wider range of potential treatment options. This approach simplifies enrollment and enhances the overall experience for patients and their families, improving retention rates and ensuring comprehensive support every step of the way.”
