Science 37 and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization (OPDC) announced a strategic collaboration to support efforts to further digitize Otsuka’s mobile clinical study protocols with a focus on psychiatry and behavioral health. The collaboration follows an investment in Science 37 by Otsuka as a minority shareholder as part of the final close of a $35M Series C investment round earlier this year.
“Otsuka is dedicated to promoting innovation in clinical trials as a means of expanding the diversity of patients enrolled in studies, as well as bringing new products to market faster,” said William H. Carson, MD, president and CEO of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization. “This collaboration with Science 37, is also the latest example of our commitment to leading in digital medicine and identifying new ways that technology can help transform the lives of patients.”
The collaboration between the two companies will be conducted in successive phases and will develop effective ways to select, test, and manage innovative, patient-centric clinical studies to further the development of Otsuka products through a customized approach using the Science 37 platform.
Science 37’s proprietary, cloud-based mobile research platform, the Network Oriented Research Assistant (NORA), enables end-to-end remote clinical trials and adheres to the highest industry quality and regulatory standards. Unlike other mobile health technology companies in the space, Science 37’s Metasite model helps researchers engage directly with trial participants through every stage of planning, from screening and recruitment to data lock. This direct connection online allows for greater retention of patients, increased diversity across trials, and significantly faster recruitment.