OneOncology taps Verily for clinical trials platform

OneOncology has joined forces with Verily to speed up and improve the efficiency of clinical trials run through its network of independent cancer treatment centres in the US.

The collaboration revolves around the use of Verily's SignalPath clinical trial management software (CTMS) across a number of OneOncology's research-focused centres, known as the OneR group, with the aim of speeding up trials, advancing cancer research, and ultimately improving cancer care.

According to the two partners, the technology will enable investigating sites to improve their systems infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes, and enhance collaboration with study sponsors.

SignalPath was bought by Verily in 2021, the first major acquisition to bolster the capabilities of its clinical research platform Baseline, which is designed to make it easier for people to find and participate in clinical trials and help investigators handle and interpret data from studies.

A key facet of the new alliance is to 'democratise' cancer trials, which have a well-recognised problem with a lack of inclusivity and diversity. In a study reported last year, for example, it was found that almost half (48%) of thousands of cancer studies carried out in the US had no Hispanic or Latin American subjects, while 42% had no Black/African American patients.

Furthermore, there is a very low participation rate for oncology trials in the US, with only around 6% of cancer patients taking part in studies, according to a study reported at the ASCO congress in 2021.

"Clinical trial research is core to high-quality cancer care programmes," remarked Dr Davey Daniel, OneOncology's chief medical officer.

"By using technology to create a platform offering from OneR, we can help enhance our partners' clinical trial programmes, which ultimately better democratises clinical trials, and improves health equity," he added.

According to the two companies, SignalPath includes a digitisation technology that can "configure and systematise" study protocol workflows, saving site staff time and effort, and reducing the cost and complexity of studies.

"Verily and OneOncology are both committed to transforming the experience for oncology practices participating in research with the latest data and technology," said Dr Brad Hirsch, head of product and implementation at Verily and a co-founder of SignalPath.

"SignalPath delivers on that vision, easing the workflow for oncologists and their staff, so they can focus on delivering the best possible care," he added.

The partnership follows an agreement for OneOncology to be sold by current owner General Atlantic to AmerisourceBergen and private equity group TPG for $2.1 billion, which is due to close next month.