Consolidating data strategy for global success: Insights from Frontiers Health 2025
Market Access
At Frontiers Health 2025, Drew McCormick, Head of Data and Analytics at EVERSANA, emphasised a critical truth: data strategy is launch strategy.
In this conversation, McCormick explored the growing complexity of global data integration and why companies that neglect early planning risk costly missteps.
Key takeaways:
- Regulatory patchwork: While GDPR dominates headlines, McCormick highlighted the nuanced differences across European countries - and even regions - when it comes to thresholds for de-identification and compliance. His advice? Build a strong network of local partners to navigate these variations effectively.
- Emerging data sources: From imaging and wearables to omics and proteomics, new datasets promise breakthroughs such as predicting Parkinson’s disease months earlier. But McCormick warned: without fit-for-purpose data, adding more sources is just “throwing stuff into the soup.”
- AI as a tool, not a silver bullet: Generative AI is transforming workflows, from structuring clinical notes to supporting point-of-care decisions. Yet, McCormick stressed that AI must be part of a coherent strategy, not a standalone solution.
- Breaking internal silos: One of the biggest challenges isn’t external; it’s internal. McCormick shared examples of companies buying the same dataset multiple times due to siloed decision-making. His prescription: a top-down mandate, clear accountability, and quick wins to demonstrate value.
Ultimately, McCormick urged organisations to persevere through the upfront investment in data strategy. After all, the payoff - with better evidence generation and smarter commercialisation - can be game-changing.
