Clinical Trials at Home? Science 37's Answer to Pharma's Problem

Francesca Billington

Francesca Billington is a freelance reporter. Prior to that, she was a general assignment reporter for dot.LA and has also reported for KCRW, the Santa Monica Daily Press and local publications in New Jersey. She graduated from Princeton in 2019 with a degree in anthropology.

Clinical Trials at Home? Science 37's Answer to Pharma's Problem
Photo by Science in HD on Unsplash

Convincing people to take part in life-saving clinical drug trials was difficult even before the pandemic. But the coronavirus halted efforts by many drugmakers, as hospitals and research facilities closed or channeled their resources to COVID.

Science 37, which just raised $40 million to expand their virtual medical trials at people's homes, could keep their studies going while others closed. And it's holding itself up as the future of clinical trials, though it has limitations.


"As many in the industry have realized over the past few months, a virtual or decentralized research model can help keep patients and study teams safe, support the global effort to contain the virus, and provide business continuity during the pandemic," said Chris Ceppi, the company's chief product officer.

The Los Angeles-based startup is backed by some of the biggest names in pharma including Novartis, Amgen and Sanofi. It's raised a total of $140 million to build out what they call a decentralized clinical trial system.

Science 37 designs and connects virtual clinical trials through its platform. The system allows drugmakers and academic institutions to reach more people, many of whom might not otherwise participate, including patients living far from clinic sites.

The FDA has indicated the shift to home participation is promising, as it speeds up the traditionally protracted business of data gathering. But adapting the clinical trial process for home environments poses risks.

Questions around regulation and testing precision will be critical as Science 37's software rolls out said Dr. SriniVas Sadda, a UCLA ophthalmology professor and president of the Stein Eye Institute.

"You can have personnel who are trained to do everything correctly, but when you go to a patient's home there'll be variations," Sadda told dot.LA in an interview Thursday. "That's where you lose the standardization."

At traditional clinical trial centers, patients are examined and evaluated using the same equipment under the same conditions, right down to the temperature in the room. This ensures data is collected the same away, even across centers.

That's tough to replicate at homes. But for some drug trials, such rigid controls aren't necessary, Sadda said.

"That's where you have to choose which trials are amenable to this type of remote approach," he said. "You have to pick and choose wisely to make sure you don't introduce an unwanted bias into the study."

Concerns about protocol are addressed through the regulatory process, company spokesman Lawrence Lloyd said. He pointed out that studies wouldn't be approved if data wasn't consistent.

Science 37 has ongoing trials that range in size from dozens to thousands of patients, Ceppi said.

"We know that virtualization can be applied to studies in every major therapeutic area and phase of research," he said. Choosing trials usually depends on "how many in-person, 'hands-on' interactions are required between participants and the trial team."

The startup said it will use the capital to expand its tech platform and accelerate global expansion. Ceppi said the platform will be deployed in more than 30 countries and is now available in more than 40 languages.

The funding round was led by Lux Capital, Redmile Group, and PPD, Inc. and joined by ongoing investors including Novartis, Amgen, Sanofi Ventures, Alphabet's GV and Glynn Capital. New investors include LifeSci Ventures and Mubadala Ventures.

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🍵☕️Top 6 Coffee Alternatives for Enhanced Productivity

In the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital in Los Angeles, maintaining peak productivity is essential for founders and investors alike. As the hustle intensifies, many are seeking alternatives to traditional coffee that not only provide a sustained energy boost but also support overall health and well-being. The following list highlights some of the top-rated coffee alternatives that can enhance focus and productivity while minimizing the adverse effects of caffeine. These options incorporate adaptogens, superfoods, and gut-friendly ingredients, making them ideal choices for those looking to optimize their performance without the afternoon crash.


Matcha

Image Source: Jade Leaf Matcha

Matcha is a finely ground green tea that offers a moderate amount of caffeine, along with L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This combination can enhance focus and concentration, making matcha a suitable alternative for those looking to boost productivity without the jitters of coffee.

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Dandelion Root Coffee

Image Source: Amazon

Dandelion root coffee is a caffeine-free alternative that mimics the taste of coffee. It is known for its potential to support liver health and digestion, which can contribute to overall well-being and productivity. The drink can help avoid the acidity and jitters that often accompany regular coffee, making it a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine.

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Adaptogenic Drinks

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Adaptogenic beverages, which include ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, and maca, are designed to help the body adapt to stress and promote mental clarity. These drinks can provide a sustained energy boost without the crash, supporting productivity throughout the day. They are often made with superfoods and spices that enhance both physical and mental performance.

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Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

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Golden milk, made from turmeric, ginger, and milk (or a milk alternative), is a caffeine-free option that can improve mood and reduce inflammation. The calming properties of this drink can help maintain focus and clarity, making it a great addition to a productive morning routine.

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Chicory Root Coffee

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Chicory root coffee is an excellent alternative that satisfies the desire for a warm beverage without caffeine. It is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aids in digestion and promotes gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria. Chicory coffee has a nutty, earthy flavor and can help control blood sugar levels, contributing to overall energy and productivity throughout the day.

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Yerba Mate

Image Source: Guayaki Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains about 40-80 mg of caffeine per serving, which is less than a standard cup of coffee but enough to provide a gentle energy boost. Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and users often report feeling energized without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavor and can be enjoyed in various forms, including loose-leaf tea and pre-brewed options.

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LA’s Data Center Supply Crunch

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday Los Angeles!

The Los Angeles data center market is experiencing a significant supply crunch, ranking 12th in growth among top markets since 2020 with only 265 megawatts of colocation inventory (data centers where businesses rent space to store their computing hardware and servers). Despite this, demand is surging, driven by AI, cloud, and hyperscaler needs, with AI accounting for 20% of new data center demand nationally. This scarcity is creating a highly competitive environment, with vacancy rates at a record low 3% and asking rents rising 13-37% year-over-year. For Los Angeles, this presents both challenges and opportunities in the big picture. The city's strategic position as a global entertainment hub and its connectivity to international markets through subsea cables make it an attractive location for data centers. However, the limited inventory and rising costs could potentially hinder growth and innovation in the tech sector. To maintain its competitive edge, Los Angeles will need to address these constraints through new developments, such as GI Partners' 16 MW addition at One Wilshire, and by focusing on high-connectivity, high-power capacity submarkets. The city's tech community should prepare for a landscape of increased competition for quality data center space, higher costs, and the need for innovative solutions to meet growing demand, particularly in AI and cloud services. While Los Angeles faces a challenging data center supply crunch, its strategic advantages and ongoing developments offer a promising path forward.


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LA Companies

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    🌐Decentralizing Data & Vacations: Sony's Web3 Leap and Sensible Weather's KOA Partnership

    🔦 Spotlight

    Happy Long Weekend Los Angeles!

    Sony Group is making a significant push into the blockchain and Web3 space, leveraging its Sony Pictures and Sony Music divisions along with a new global incubator. The company has developed the Soneium blockchain through Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture aimed at accelerating Web3 innovation. Sony is launching the "Soneium Minato" public testnet and a developer incubation program called "Soneium Spark" to foster ecosystem growth and adoption. The initiative includes strategic partnerships with Web3 companies such as Astar Network, Circle, and Optimism. Sony aims to create a fan community centered on creators and connect diverse values through Soneium, with the ultimate goal of integrating Web3 services into people's daily lives. While the company acknowledges the challenges faced by Web3, including limited user adoption and the need for mainstream use cases, it remains committed to decentralizing the concentrated power of the current internet landscape.

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    LA Companies

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