CRF Health Collaborates with UHB for MS
Plymouth Meeting, PA – 10 July 2017: CRF Health, a global provider of patient-centered eSource technology and service solutions for the life sciences industry, announced that it has collaborated with a research group led by Professor Ludwig Kappos at the University Hospital Basel (UHB) to develop an electronic implementation of the Neurostatus-Expanded Disability Status Scale (Neurostatus-EDSS), an established assessment and documentation tool for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) clinical trials.
The electronic version of the Neurostatus-EDSS replaces the traditional paper forms which suffer from the typical associated issues, such as data inaccuracies and administration costs. It streamlines data collection via an electronic form, facilitates the capture of data, and allows for access to consistent data for further analysis.
The new electronic version allows EDSS raters to review and track any inconsistencies in data entries and assessments at the click of a button. Due to an algorithm created by the UHB, which identifies inconsistencies within data, the EDSS rater can reconsider her/his scoring. In case of remaining doubts, the EDSS rater can communicate with an expert team at the UHB. The Neurostatus-EDSS form along with the expert and rater interaction during the review process is all completed in the CRF Health TrialManager environment and all comments and score changes are fully audit trailed.
Commenting on the development, Rachael Wyllie, Chief Executive Officer at CRF Health said, “With the form already utilized in a number of clinical studies, the introduction of the electronic Neurostatus-EDSS documentation tool will facilitate much improved data collection for potential drugs for neurological conditions and significantly speed up the development process. CRF Health has recently provided the eCOA technology platform which supported a top global pharmaceutical company in gaining FDA approval for an MS drug. This latest development further cements our position as a leader in this field.”
Dr. Marcus D’Souza, Neurologist and Head of Neurostatus-UHB at the UHB, commented: “We are delighted to have collaborated with CRF Health on this project to help create this electronic Neurostatus-EDSS assessment and documentation tool and are very much looking forward to seeing sponsors reap the benefits this new form promises for neurological clinical trials.”
For further information on CRF Health, please visit www.crfhealth.com
Contact: media@crfhealth.com, +1 267.498.2350
Neurostatus-uhbs@usb.ch
Improving Relationships and Diversifying the Site Selection Process
April 17th 2025In this episode of the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast, Liz Beatty, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Inato, discusses a number of topics around site engagement including community-based sites, the role of technology in improving site/sponsor relationships, how increased operational costs are impacting the industry, and more.
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.
Landmark Phase III Trial Shows Keytruda Significantly Improves Event-Free Survival in LA-HNSCC
April 28th 2025Interim KEYNOTE-689 trial data show that perioperative Keytruda significantly lowers the risk of disease progression or recurrence in resectable, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, marking the first major clinical advance for this patient population in more than two decades.
