September 29, 2016 | New partnerships and products from the Duke Clinical Research Institute, goBalto, Medidata, and more.

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine (CIM) announced a formal collaboration under which the two organizations will facilitate the effective use of genomics in medicine through the education of health professionals. The first joint ASHG-CIM educational program, targeted toward obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and related health professionals, will address the use of prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening in pregnant women. Analysis of cfDNA provides a method of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening by isolating DNA in a pregnant woman’s blood. Press release.

This is in related to another story covered by Clinical Informatics News: http://www.clinicalinformaticsnews.com/2016/07/14/jax-ama-scripps-launch-genomic-education-physicians.aspx

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced the creation of the Roberts Collaborative for Genetics and Individualized Medicine at CHOP. The $50 million Roberts Collaborative will position CHOP at the forefront of pediatric genetics research and will take a multidisciplinary approach toward diagnostics, clinical management, consulting, therapeutics and research driven by the power of genetics. Press release.

Worldwide Clinical Trials has opened a new office in the heart of Warsaw’s central business district. Home to 30+ employees, the 315m² office space in the Prosta Tower boasts state-of-the-art technology and design, supporting a collaborative, productive work environment. The move demonstrates the Worldwide’s commitment to improving workspaces, as the new office features an abundance of light, open working areas, and collaborative meeting spaces for its Warsaw-based emploees, who work in a variety of roles including clinical operations and administrative services. Having operated successfully in Warsaw since 2008, the new office also shows Worldwide’s continued investment in the region and in its global operations. Press release.

The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) has been named the coordinating center as part of a $157-million federal initiative involved in studying how environmental factors affect childhood health. The seven-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will fund the organizational framework of the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) initiative. Press release.

goBalto announced today that PSI CRO has chosen goBalto's complete end-to-end platform for starting clinical trials, from site identification, feasibility and selection, through to activation, with comprehensive metrics to track adherence to timelines and budget. PSI CRO is using goBalto's Select module to assist with site identification, feasibility assessment and selection of sites for a multi-country Phase II Infectious Disease Study, which will then be initiated for subject enrollment using goBalto's flagship product, Activate. Press release.

Bracket has randomized its first patient using Precision Block Design (PBD) technology integrated in its clinical IRT platform, including its mobile application. The first RTSM provider to develop and utilize the novel PBD method, Bracket is minimizing selection bias, reducing predictability of treatments and improving patient randomization by balancing known and unknown prognostic factors across comparative groups. Press release.

Exco InTouch announced that it has appointed Steve Powell as the company's Chief Operating Officer and President. In this newly created position Powell will be responsible for all aspects of Exco InTouch’s operational delivery including services and technology. Powell will be based in the company’s North Carolina office, enabling him to support the organization’s expanding US customer base and developing its global expansion. His previous role was as Executive Vice President at a top 5 CRO, where he managed a large global team and contributed to its successful operational development and financial success. Press release.

Medidata and SHYFT Analytics announced a strategic commercial partnership to increase access to healthcare data analytics in clinical trials. The partnership will enable life sciences companies to add real world evidence (RWE) data from electronic medical records (EMRs) and health claims to information traditionally collected in clinical trials, providing a more comprehensive view of patient health. Press release.

Medidata announced that Techfields Pharma has selected the Medidata Clinical Cloud to power a Phase II Ischemic Stroke study. The China-based pharmaceutical company will leverage Medidata’s robust study management capabilities and mobile health (mHealth) technology to optimize trial processes and gather new insights on treatment efficacy and patients’ quality of life. Medidata SensorLink is being used by Techfields to capture continuous data from the Garmin vívofit 3 activity trackers measuring study participants’ movement and mobility. Techfields is also using Medidata’s Patient Cloud ePRO (electronic patient-reported outcome) app to allow stroke patients participating in the trial to complete questionnaires on quality-of-life, disease state, and response to treatment using an Apple iPad. Data from the mHealth solutions is integrated into the secure, regulatory-compliant environment of the Medidata Clinical Cloud. Press release.