How are companies meaningfully incorporating patient voices into drug development decisions?

Diane Lacroix, VP Clinical Data Management, eClinical Solutions

One way companies are weaving patient voices into drug development is by leveraging the power of “living datasets,” dynamic, continuously updated data flows that capture the realities of patient experiences. Rather than relying on static trial snapshots, organizations are incorporating continuous streams from wearables, lab tests, patient-reported outcomes, and other real-world sources. This ensures that data reflecting how treatments affect daily life integrates directly into decision-making.

Expanded data types, such as genomics, behavioral insights and real-world evidence, provide a more complete picture of patient needs. By then applying advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI, teams can uncover patterns in safety and efficacy that may otherwise be overlooked, elevating aspects of care that matter most to patients. These insights also inform adaptive trial designs, enabling researchers to refine patient selection and respond to emerging trends more quickly.

The potential is an approach that reduces patient burden. Remote data capture and decentralized methods allow patients to contribute without repeated site visits, broadening access and reflecting the diversity of real-world populations. With richer, near real-time feedback guiding decisions, companies can ensure that trial strategies align more closely with patient priorities, making therapies not only scientifically sound but meaningful for patients in need.

Diane Lacroix

Vice President, Clinical Data Management, eClinical Solutions

Diane Lacroix is a data management professional and leader with over 20 years in the pharmaceutical/CRO industry. As VP, Clinical Data Management at eClinical Solutions, Diane is responsible for leading the data management function including building effective process and implementation strategies to ensure that clients receive maximum value and quality from the elluminate driven data services that Diane’s team delivers. Diane’s career in data management has included numerous leadership roles both at service providers and on the sponsor side. She has worked on all aspects of global trials from study start-up through to database closure and submission leading and managing successful teams and projects to ensure high quality and on-time delivery of clinical data assets. Diane has deep expertise in the oncology and rare disease therapeutic areas and in data management technologies including EDC (Electronic Data Capture) systems and integration and analytics technology platform like elluminate.