AZ and Oracle team up on AI platform for clinical trials

AstraZeneca has launched a project with tech giant Oracle that will use AI and real-world data to improve clinical research, for example by identifying suitable patients for clinical trials.

According to the two companies, the aim of the non-binding agreement is to "test practical ways to connect scientific research directly to clinical workflows and transform care."

The first programme – in the United Arab Emirates' capital Abu Dhabi – will focus on the care of people living with high blood pressure or hypertension. Working with locally headquartered health company M42, the project will help to identify patients with uncontrolled hypertension, make sure they receive care in line with clinical guidelines, and improve recruitment for trials.

Last year, Oracle joined forces with M42 on a project to develop unified, longitudinal patient records that would be accessible across the UAE and integrate genomics data.

"This unique collaboration brings leaders in healthcare and AI together at a global scale to accelerate the journey from the discovery of medicine to patient care," said AZ chief executive Pascal Soriot.

Identifying patients for clinical trials, and keeping them engaged and motivated to maintain their participation, is recognised as one of the main challenges in clinical research.

The alliance will bring together AZ's scientific and regulatory expertise with Oracle’s cloud infrastructure and real-world data capabilities, said the partners.

Additional projects in AZ's core areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, respiratory and immunology, and rare diseases get underway in the coming months across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. A guiding principle is that the projects are set up with local governments to make sure they conform to regulations and can be scaled up in future.

Ultimately, the hope is that the alliance will also lead to faster and more efficient trials, earlier diagnosis for patients, improved drug-safety monitoring, and greater use of real-world evidence across the lifecycle of a medicine to guide patient care.

"Too many patients are diagnosed late or face a long journey to get the care they need,” said AZ’s chief digital, data, and AI officer, Anne-Claire Gerbaldi.

"Bringing together the unique capabilities of Oracle and AstraZeneca, we believe we can support smarter clinical trials, strengthen safety monitoring, and help ensure patients are diagnosed sooner and receive the right care."

Financial terms of the alliance have not been disclosed.