Clinical research blog

In the informative webinar hosted by Dr. Patrick Short, Co-founder and CEO of Sano Genetics, guest Dr. Andrea Gropman explored the profound impact of genetics and genomics on modern medical practice. The discussion provided valuable insights into the journey of translating genetic discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside, particularly focusing on neurogenetics and metabolic disorders.

Last week, Sano had the privilege of travelling to Boston for the Chief Medical Officer Summit 360°, where our Co-founder and COO, Charlotte Guzzo, shared her expertise on a panel focused on practical approaches to patient engagement. This event provided a platform for rich discussions on the shifting paradigms of drug development and precision medicine. Here, we’ll share an overview of key discussions and insights from the conference, emphasising the innovative strategies highlighted during the panels.

At Sano, we are constantly exploring new ways to use our technology expertise to make a meaningful impact on healthcare. That’s why we’re excited about our partnership with the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) on a profoundly important project: the Lupus Nexus initiative. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our efforts to contribute to critical advancements in the field of lupus research.

Natural history studies are instrumental in advancing precision medicine by offering a nuanced understanding of the patient journey across various diseases, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Huntington's Disease. This blog post explores the crucial role these studies play in disease modelling and the development of precisely targeted treatments within the realm of precision medicine.

This webinar, co-hosted by Sano Genetics and PrecisionLife, highlighted the complex nature of long Covid, which affects up to 30% of Covid-19 survivors and presents with more than 50 symptoms. The discussion brought to light the limitations of traditional genomic research, which has struggled to identify significant genetic risk factors, and underscored the necessity for innovative methodologies in understanding and treating this condition.

Liver disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, presenting complex challenges in healthcare due to its multifaceted nature and often silent progression. Advancements in genetic research have begun to illuminate the pathways through which liver diseases develop, revealing that conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are not only influenced by lifestyle but also by genetic predispositions.

At Sano, our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to personalised medicine hinges on precise, individualised insights from vast amounts of health data. Understanding the sensitive nature of this data, we've committed to the highest standards of privacy and data protection, as detailed in our latest whitepaper, "Sano’s privacy promise." 

This webinar focused on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug development, particularly within the realms of precision medicine. Hosted by Charlotte Guzzo, COO of Sano, the session featured insights from top industry experts who discussed their personal journeys at the intersection of technology and healthcare, the challenges of integrating AI into drug development, and the cutting-edge innovations their companies are pioneering.

Natural history studies play a pivotal role in deepening our understanding of diseases by observing them in their unmodified state. These studies offer invaluable insights by serving as "natural" comparisons for assessing the impact of treatments, thus playing a crucial role during the drug development process and in comprehending how diseases evolve without medical intervention. They act as fundamental benchmarks to gauge the effectiveness of new therapies.

In this webinar, Sano’s Senior Project Manager Clare Clarke shares the approach Sano employs to achieve its mission of accelerating the world’s transition to precision medicine. She outlines the seamless integration of recruitment, biomarker testing, and engagement within research trials, and provides an overview of Sano’s technology. This is the first in a series of webinars that will showcase various aspects of Sano’s product.

In recent years, the advent of population genomic screening has emerged as a promising approach to combat prevalent diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Population genetic screening tests a large population of otherwise healthy individuals to find genomic variants that might predispose them to diseases that are clinically actionable, meaning that they can be prevented or mitigated if they are detected early. By identifying individuals at risk of preventable and treatable conditions, this screening method has the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates.

In this webinar, “Parkinson's disease: Engagement, screening, and retention," Sano CEO and Co-Founder Patrick Short shares a case study of Sano’s work on a genetic Parkinson’s disease clinical trial. He explores the methodologies used for this cutting-edge program, and describes the success of the project.

Our latest whitepaper, "Bridging Genes and Medicine: How genetics is redefining healthcare," examines how the adoption of genetic information is changing clinical practice by requiring a more personalised approach to healthcare. It highlights the importance of this shift, both for improving patient outcomes and for the efficiency of healthcare delivery, painting a picture of a future where treatments are as unique as the patients themselves.

Over the last two decades, following the landmark achievement of sequencing the first complete human genome, a suite of powerful genetic tools has emerged. Gene panel testing, whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing are now pivotal in gathering detailed genetic information. The integration of these tools into neonatal care holds the potential for helpful genetic insight from the moment of birth.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM), integral to the evolution of precision medicine, are making strides in regenerating or repairing damaged tissues and organs. Tissue engineering uses cells, scaffolds, and growth factors to regenerate or replace damaged or diseased tissues, while regenerative medicine combines tissue engineering with other treatments like gene therapy, immunomodulation and cell-based therapy to induce tissue regeneration within the body. When combined with precision medicine's tailored approach, TERM holds immense promise for addressing some of the biggest modern healthcare issues, such as the urgent demand for organ replacements amidst an ageing population. 

Last year, Sano CEO Dr. Patrick Short presented a webinar called “Genetics Essentials for Clinical Research professionals.” In it, he explained the fundamentals of genetics in clinical research, explored the trends propelling genetics in drug development, and shared practical applications in drug discovery, development, and delivery. Now, we’re back with part 2, which goes beyond fundamentals and is presented by Sano COO Charlotte Guzzo.

Genomic screening is transforming prenatal and neonatal care, offering new insights and challenges in equal measure. Our latest report, "Precision from the start: Balancing progress and principles in prenatal and neonatal care," dives into these advancements and the ethical dilemmas they present.

This webinar, hosted by Sano CEO Dr. Patrick Short and featuring Dr. Wendy Chung, Dr. Holly Peay, and Kira Dineen, offered a deep dive into the latest advancements in newborn screening, showcasing how cutting-edge genetic technologies are paving the way for a new era in medical care for our youngest patients. The link to the full webinar is here; a brief summary is below for easy reference.

The global battle against COVID-19 has shifted focus from acute infections to the lingering challenge posed by long COVID, a condition where signs and symptoms persist well beyond the initial infection. While most individuals experience a mild reaction to the virus, approximately 10% develop hypoxemic pneumonia, 3% progress to critical illness, and 28% go on to experience Long COVID.

Genetic testing offers a powerful lens through which we can understand and address a wide array of medical conditions, ranging from neurocognitive disorders in children to various cancers in adults. However, the rapid evolution of genomic technologies and the increasing demand for genetic testing bring to the forefront the complexities involved in interpreting genetic results. This issue is becoming increasingly pertinent for both healthcare providers and patients.

This webinar featuring Mina Frost, General Counsel for Sano Genetics, provides an insightful overview of the legal and ethical intricacies involved in precision medicine. Mina expertly explores the complexities of patient privacy, data protection, and the regulatory landscape that govern precision medicine.

Recently, our team had the pleasure of attending the 16th Annual Patient Recruitment and Retention Summit, a hallmark event in the field of clinical research and patient advocacy. Hosted in an intimate, knowledge-sharing environment, this summit brought together experts from across the globe to share insights, strategies, and innovations aimed at enhancing patient involvement in clinical research. We were proud to sponsor a booth, which served as a hub for discussions, networking, and sharing our contributions to the field. In this blog, we’ll share the themes that rose to the top in our discussions. 

In observance of Rare Disease Day, our latest episode of the Genetics Podcast presents a fascinating conversation with John Matthews, who was recently promoted to Chief Medical Officer at ReCode Therapeutics. This special episode not only commemorates the day dedicated to raising awareness for rare diseases but also showcases the innovative strides being made in the field of genetic medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.

In our latest whitepaper, "Beyond the bench: The role of patient empowerment in shaping precision medicine research," we examine how patient involvement is transforming the field of genomics- and biomarker-driven research. In highlighting the shift towards patient-centric models, we emphasise the importance of including patient insights in the development of new treatments.

In today's digital age, scientists and medical professionals are harnessing the power of healthcare data to unravel the genetic foundations of various diseases. But despite the growing portfolio of precision medicines, their integration into healthcare systems is not without its hurdles. This blog explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating precision medicine into healthcare systems. 

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare and scientific research, the rapid growth of genomic data stands out as both a remarkable achievement and a formidable challenge. Our new report, "Scaling genomic data: Addressing the storage, analysis, and accessibility hurdles of large-scale genomic data," sheds light on the complexities of managing this vast ocean of information that holds the key to unlocking the future of personalised medicine.

In the age of advanced medical treatments, achieving health equity—in which every individual has the chance to attain their highest level of health regardless of background—is a fundamental yet unmet goal. Despite good intentions, healthcare systems globally face significant challenges in providing equal access and quality of care to all communities.

With Parkinson's disease affecting millions worldwide, the need for enhanced research is both critical and immediate to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Here, we showcase a curated selection of recent advancements in Parkinson's research. 

We recently had the privilege of hosting a booth and speaking in the Precision Medicine World Conference (PMWC) 2024, an event that stands at the intersection of technology, medicine, and research. This gathering of the minds is where the future of healthcare is debated, shaped, and set into motion. Our team returned invigorated by the discussions, collaborations, and insights that PMWC fostered, reflecting a shared ambition to redefine the boundaries of personalised medicine. In this recap, we share three pivotal insights that resonated with us and will continue to shape our vision for the future of precision medicine.

In the realm of clinical genetics, the surge in digital health technology adoption has been remarkable. These innovations, ranging from chatbots assisting with patient admissions to sophisticated machine learning algorithms enhancing genomic analysis and reporting, are revolutionising the delivery of genetic services. They are not only streamlining operations but also ensuring consistent access to healthcare. The abundance of data and the advancement of precision medicine necessitate a digital approach to healthcare interactions, fostering broader access and more tailored care.

This webinar, hosted by Sano CEO Dr. Patrick Short and featuring Daniel Barvin and Dr. Paul Wicks, offered an in-depth exploration of the challenges and advancements in the field of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), particularly focusing on the genetic forms of the disease. 

In the rapidly advancing realm of precision medicine, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are witnessing a transformative shift in their roles. This approach, which tailors treatment to the individual's genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment, demands a new set of skills and knowledge from HCPs – including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. They are now at the forefront of integrating complex genetic information into patient care, navigating ethical dilemmas, and maintaining an up-to-date understanding of technological innovations. This blog post explores how precision medicine is reshaping the responsibilities and expertise of HCPs, and what this means for patient care.

• Sano Genetics is the only software platform tailored to running precision medicine clinical trials, leveraging AI to manage all aspects from design to patient recruitment, to genetic and other biomarker testing and patient engagement
• Precision medicine is a fast-growing category - today more than 30% of trials are precision-driven which is predicted to reach 80% by the end of the decade
• Sano Genetics is experiencing huge demand for its product, experiencing 5x growth ARR year-on-year and now serving four of the major pharmaceutical companies 
• New funding brings the total raised by the company to $22M to help it meet demand and further automate its processes 

In the realm of healthcare, a pivotal shift is taking place, which we explore in our latest whitepaper: the growing collaboration between academia, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries in the field of precision medicine. This evolving partnership is more than a trend; it's revolutionising how we approach the development of new drugs and treatments.

In the ever-evolving field of rare disease research, it's crucial to remain informed about the latest progress. At Sano, our commitment is to stay ahead of these developments. We are excited to offer a curated overview of some of the most significant advancements in rare disease research from the past few months.

In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, a profound transformation is taking place at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and genomics. This convergence is not just a fleeting trend; it's a fundamental shift in how we approach medicine, diagnosis, and treatment. Our latest whitepaper explores this significant development, shedding light on how AI is unlocking new possibilities in genomic medicine.

Since the advent of precision medicine, there has been a noticeable shift in patient engagement and decision-making in healthcare. Patients are now more vocal and proactive, expressing a strong desire to be actively involved in their healthcare journey. This engagement reflects an increased awareness and understanding of their health needs and options, aligning with the personalised nature of precision medicine. In this blog, we examine precision medicine’s role in empowering patients to be more involved in their healthcare decisions, then explore how this shift is shaping the dynamics between healthcare providers and their patients.

In the rapidly evolving field of precision medicine, the role of patient engagement and communication is pivotal. As we venture into this new era of personalised healthcare, it's essential for pharmaceutical and biotech companies to establish trust and transparency with patients. This checklist serves as a guide to ensure companies are taking the right steps to effectively engage and communicate with patients participating in precision medicine research.

Natural history studies play a pivotal role in advancing our knowledge of diseases. These observational studies, which track the progression of diseases in their natural state without medical intervention, are particularly crucial in the realm of rare disease research. They serve as fundamental benchmarks against which the effectiveness of new treatments can be measured. In conducting these studies, extensive data is collected over an individual's lifetime, including initial diagnosis, clinical observations, and patient insights on quality of life. This rich tapestry of information provides a deep and nuanced understanding of how a disease progresses and its impact on those affected.

Last week, we attended the NASH-TAG conference in beautiful Park City, Utah. Against a winter wonderland backdrop, we dove deep into the latest research on metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH, also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH) and connected with leading experts in the field. Here, we’ll share some of our key learnings, underscoring the evolving landscape of liver disease research. 

In the ever-changing field of precision medicine, continuous evaluation of data sharing and collaboration practices is essential for biotech and pharma companies. This ongoing assessment is vital to ensure compliance with evolving regulations, protect patient privacy, and foster innovative research. Drawing from our expertise in this area, we've created a straightforward checklist to help these companies responsibly handle genetic and biomarker data and collaborate effectively with third parties.

The digitisation of medical records is catalysing the use of AI in various sectors of healthcare, including clinical trials, precision medicine, and drug discovery, thereby supporting biotech and pharmaceutical companies in their quest for more efficient and personalised medical solutions. This blog post explores the transformative role of AI in fostering collaborations within and beyond these industries, highlighting its impact on drug discovery and the development of personalised medicines, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations involved.

As the new year unfolds, it's a time for reflection on some of the most inspirational stories in human genetics last year, and anticipation of what's to come in this area in 2024.

In the two decades since the first human genome sequencing, technological progress has unlocked an enormous collection of genetic data. This invaluable resource has deepened our understanding of DNA's role in diseases and the diverse genetic makeup among individuals. However, a significant caveat exists: a disproportionate amount of this data stems from individuals of European descent. As of 2021, over 86% of genomic data hails from this group, with East Asians contributing around 6%, Africans 1%, and all other demographics less than 1%. This skew in data collection limits the potential benefits of genomic research for underrepresented populations. And one issue at the heart of it is a lack of genomic literacy. 

In today's increasingly interconnected global landscape, the ease of movement and migration has led to a significant rise in diversity within numerous countries. This diversity is characterised by distinct cultural backgrounds that considerably influence individuals' reactions to various healthcare services, including the progressively important field of genomic medicine. In this context, cultural competency becomes an essential skill for researchers and healthcare providers. It plays a pivotal role in bridging cultural differences, ensuring that high-quality care is delivered uniformly, transcending barriers of race, gender, or beliefs.

Health equity, defined as everyone having the opportunity to be as healthy as possible, has long been a primary goal of public health. Still, across the world, people don't have the same opportunities to see doctors, take part in research, or access medications and genetic testing. This disparity of care can affect rates of disease and disability – and most importantly, hinder quality and length of life. 

Our new whitepaper "Inclusive genomics: A path to equitable precision medicine" offers a close look at the intersection of genomic research and diversity. It's an exploration of how embracing the full spectrum of human diversity is not just beneficial but essential for the advancement of precision medicine.

The 34th International Symposium on ALS/MND represented a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This year's event was especially significant, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the discovery of SOD1, the first monogenic cause of ALS, and showcasing the substantial progress made in understanding the genetic components of this complex disease.

As we step into a new era of medical innovation, it's crucial to shine a light on diseases that have long remained in the shadows. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as motor neurone disease (MND), is one such condition that has challenged medical experts for decades. Today, we’re thrilled to share a beacon of hope in this challenging landscape: Sano’s launch of “Light the Way.”

Families affected by ALS urged to join free program to uncover their genetic risk, contribute to research, and access new therapies

• Sano Genetics launches ‘Light The Way’, offering peer support, DNA testing, genetic counseling and education to those diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of ALS, and those at risk of genetic ALS due to their family history.
• Around one in five ALS cases are now thought to be genetic; 40+ genes have been linked to the disease thanks to new discoveries funded in part by the 2014 ALS ice bucket challenge.*
• Knowing their genetic risk could offer relief to many, while those who test positive may be able to access newly approved therapies, clinical trials and observational studies like Beacon, which charts the psychological impact of ALS genetic testing.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, precision medicine trials stand out as a beacon of personalised treatment, tailored to the unique genetic and environmental makeup of each individual. But the backbone of these trials isn't just cutting-edge technology or groundbreaking research; it's the patients. Engaging them effectively is both an art and a science. Here, we explore best practices for patient engagement in this dynamic field.

As the interest in precision medicine grows, so does the interest in its economic implications. Economic evaluations are used to determine the value of treatments, helping policymakers allocate resources wisely. However, these evaluations can be difficult for precision medicine. In this blog post, we delve into the economics of precision medicine, exploring its cost-effectiveness and the broader economic benefits of tailored treatments.

In our latest report, we explore the complexities of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), offering a comprehensive overview of the disease. From genetic components to the latest FDA-approved treatments, we cover the entire spectrum of ALS research and care.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a complex liver disease characterized by fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. With its global prevalence rising alongside obesity and type 2 diabetes rates, the medical community is urgently seeking innovative prediction, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

This webinar, hosted by Sano CEO Dr. Patrick Short and featuring David Ochoa, Platform Coordinator at Open Targets, explores the significance of human genetics in pinpointing drug targets, the variety of data sets employed, target safety, and methods of intervention. It also touches on the changing nature of drug modalities and prospective avenues for future research.

The relationship between DNA and health is being understood better every day. We now know that our genes affect our risk of disease, symptoms, and even how we react to medications. But with genetic testing becoming a more prominent part of healthcare, genetic counsellors play a vital role in supporting people through the process and helping them understand the results of testing and what it means for them as patients. In this blog, we'll discuss the importance of genetic counsellors and how they bridge the gap between scientific advancement and patient care.

The 21st century heralds a paradigm shift in healthcare and medicine, driven predominantly by the breakthroughs in genetic testing. This blog post explores how genetic testing is redefining the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, marking a new era of precision medicine. From decoding our DNA to ushering in targeted therapies, genetic testing stands as a cornerstone of modern medical innovation.

Digital twins are virtual models designed to accurately reflect a physical object or system. The concept comes from engineering and has been applied to complex systems such as airplanes, manufacturing, and even cities. While the use of digital twins in healthcare is still very new, it is already showing promise for more personalised treatments and creating a better understanding of patient health.

While lifestyle choices and environment can impact risk, genes are often what most affect how likely a person is to develop a disease. People commonly have different versions of a gene throughout a population, and some of these versions are associated with an increase in disease risk. Polygenic risk scores consider these gene variations and can provide a measurement of a person's risk for a specific disease.

Clinical trials are the cornerstone of medical advancements, allowing researchers to develop new treatments, therapies, and medications. However, a critical challenge in conducting successful clinical trials is patient recruitment. Efficient patient recruitment ensures that trials progress smoothly, providing results that benefit both the medical community and patients. To overcome this challenge, clinical trial patient recruitment companies and platforms play a vital role. In this blog, we’ll examine the world of clinical trial patient recruitment, exploring the role of various vendors and platforms.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems are programmable genome editing tools that can mediate site-specific DNA modifications. Although gene-editing technologies, including CRISPR, enable highly specific treatments tailored to individuals, their clinical success depends on overcoming issues like efficiency, gene correction specificity, and precise cell targeting. Here, we'll discuss the potential gene-editing technologies like CRISPR have for personalised therapies, as well as the challenges and regulatory landscape that affect its clinical uptake.

The development of MASH, the advanced stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genes like PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR, MBOAT7, and HSD17B13 play pivotal roles in MASH susceptibility. Lifestyle factors, particularly diet and exercise, amplify the genetic influence on MASH risk.

Pharmacogenomics, also known as pharmacogenetics, is a field of research dedicated to investigating how an individual's genetic makeup influences their response to medications.

This webinar, hosted by Sano CEO Dr. Patrick Short and featuring Dr. Dimitar Tonev, an expert in liver disease and hepatology, sheds light on the latest developments in liver disease – particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) – including significant changes and predictions for the future.

Keeping participants engaged in clinical research can be difficult. Here, we let the statistics tell the story:

Genetic data is at the heart of precision medicine. Understanding the influence of genetics on health has helped us to recognise risk factors for disease, predict how patients might respond to treatments, and develop targeted treatments. But how does this knowledge connect to phenotypic data – the expression of the interaction between genes and the environment?

DPharm 2023 has come to a close, and as we reflect on the sessions and insights shared, two themes clearly stood out this year: The participant experience and incentives for participants. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into these central areas of discussion.

As COVID-19 continues to affect us all, it has become evident that our fight against the virus is not just about developing vaccines and therapeutics. Equally crucial is our ability to track the virus’s mutations and adaptations. Enter genomic sequencing – a technology that has taken centre stage in our ongoing battle against the pandemic. Here, we explore how genomic sequencing has been instrumental in tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants and its implications for future pandemics.

In this blog, we're exploring whether ALS can be caught early, including the tests that may be used in order to diagnose ALS, and if there are any measures that can be put in place to stop it early. 

In the constantly evolving pharmaceutical and biotech industries, the search for new drug targets is an ongoing effort. Clinical operations professionals play a pivotal role in this endeavour, and one of the most promising tools at their disposal is genetic data. In this blog, we will explore how genetic data is harnessed to identify drug targets, and what this means for the drug development process.

Long COVID, affecting nearly 28% of COVID-19 survivors, is a multifaceted condition that extends well beyond its initial impact. Typical include fatigue, concentration difficulties, and shortness of breath – but researchers have identified more than 200 symptoms associated with long COVID. It remains a global health puzzle, but research is paving the way for a deeper understanding and improved treatments.

In the ever-evolving landscape of clinical trial recruitment, an omnichannel approach is becoming increasingly crucial to ensure a diverse and engaged participant pool. This approach involves the integration of various outreach methods to reach potential participants through traditional methods, digital channels, patient advocacy groups, patient databases, and more. Each of these approaches has its pros and cons, offering unique opportunities and challenges to recruit participants effectively. Understanding these benefits and disadvantages can help researchers put together a perfectly blended omnichannel approach.

When a person undergoes genetic testing, they often expect to find definitive answers about their genes. However, around 20% of genetic tests identify variants of uncertain significance (VUS). These enigmatic genetic mutations often leave researchers and patients with more questions than answers. Unlike harmful mutations that may cause cancers or benign ones that aren't linked to illness, researchers lack sufficient information about VUS to determine their association with any conditions. Here, we'll outline what VUS actually are, their significance in clinical trials, and some effective strategies to manage them.

Back in 2015, a study published in Nature suggested that by harnessing genetic data to support the selection of candidate drugs, researchers could double their success rates. Considering that only around 10% of clinical programs ultimately result in an approved drug, using genetic data can be game-changing for drug development. Patient registries serve as repositories of genetic information that can be used during precision medicine trials to help us better understand medical conditions and why people react to treatments differently. In this blog, we’ll define genetic patient registries and discuss how they support research and what to keep in mind if you're considering making use of one.

Clinical trials drive medical progress, but their success relies on effective patient recruitment. And recruiting patients for clinical trials is no small task. Consider these statistics: 37% of trial sites struggle with under-enrollment, 11% fail to enrol any patients, and 90% of trials need their timelines doubled to meet goals. Recruiting one patient costs an average of $6,533, with replacing a drop-out patient soaring to $19,533. Getting patient recruitment right is paramount.

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, researchers are constantly seeking ways to make drug development more efficient and effective. Sano’s new report, “Why are drug targets with genetic evidence twice as likely to succeed in trials?” sheds light on the use of genetic evidence to significantly increase the success rates of drugs in clinical trials, offering a glimpse into the future of personalised medicine.

Genetics plays a principal role in health and disease, and continues to become increasingly important for drug development. With genetic data, the focus is shifting from traditional trial-and-error approaches towards precision medicine. This data helps us to understand the genetic underpinnings of diseases, enabling the identification of potential drug targets and more personalised treatment strategies. In this blog, we explore the major sources of genetic data that drive advancements in drug discovery, ranging from genomic databases to cutting-edge sequencing technologies.

In the world of healthcare, genetics is ushering in a new era of personalised insights that are transforming how we approach healthcare. Our latest report, “The Genetic testing landscape: A look at the modern approach and the value of sponsored programs,” offers a valuable exploration of the evolving genetic testing landscape. 

In the fast-paced world of medical research, patient advocacy groups have emerged as powerful drivers of change. One critical ingredient in their recipe for success is patient registries. These tools offer a direct relationship between patients and researchers, propelling medical advancements and accelerating the search for better treatments. Our newly released whitepaper, titled "Connecting communities: Engaging patients in registries for long-term impact," shares strategies and insights for patient advocacy groups that want to create impactful patient registries. 

The rapidly evolving landscape of precision medicine has opened new avenues for personalised treatments, transforming how we approach patient care. Genetic information is now pivotal in tailoring medical interventions to individual needs. However, with this innovation comes a complex web of ethical and regulatory considerations that must be carefully navigated to ensure patient safety, data privacy, and ethical conduct. Here are the key insights and lessons from a recent Sano webinar in which Sarah Howard, our Head of Quality and Regulatory, shed light on the ethical and regulatory landscapes surrounding precision medicine.

Are you curious about the blueprint of life that shapes everything around us? Genetics podcasts offer an easy and engaging way to explore the fascinating world of DNA, genes, and heredity. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just intrigued by how our genes work, tuning into these podcasts can be both educational and entertaining. Here are six great options:

In the complex world of medical research, collaboration is key to driving innovation and progress. Sano exists to accelerate the transition to precision medicine, and in the spirit of collaboration, we’ve honed our offerings to ensure value for clients based on their specific needs. Below you’ll find seven practical ways sponsors and other researchers have worked with us to achieve their goals. 

The healthcare sector is constantly changing, with cutting-edge medical equipment, life-changing drugs, and innovative procedures evolving to provide care to patients around the globe. Genetic testing has become an integral tool within the sector over the past few years, offering new ways to understand and diagnose conditions, while providing a gateway to more personalised treatment options.

Genetics is reshaping the landscape of clinical research, and our latest whitepaper, "Guide: Genetics Essentials for Clinical Research Professionals," offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of this rapidly evolving field. This guide explores genetics' crucial role in drug development, discovery, and patient care.

Precision medicine marks a shift from the one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare to tailored treatments and interventions that cater to an individual's unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. While precision medicine has the potential to improve patient outcomes and speed up clinical trials, it relies on the participation of diverse and representative populations. Diversity ensures that medical insights are applicable across a wide range of individuals, preventing biassed results that may favour specific ethnic or demographic groups.

In this webinar, Patrick Short, CEO of Sano Genetics, discussed opportunities to improve clinical trial patient recruitment in decentralised clinical trials (DCT) with Joss Warren, the Vice President of Strategic Accounts at THREAD Research. Their discussion covered how DCTs are changing the clinical research landscape, and what they mean for diversity in clinical trials as well as the future of precision medicine.

Our latest insights report explores multiple sclerosis (MS), providing details on the essential aspects of MS, from its impact on the central nervous system to the varying types of the condition. We share insights on:

In this webinar, Sano co-founder and CEO Patrick Short discusses the essentials of genetics and genomics, including genetic variation, genetic testing, and more. Patrick offers a thorough overview of current discoveries and discusses how they may impact the future of clinical practice.

Rare diseases may impact a small portion of the population, yet their significance is profound. And while rare disease patient recruitment might seem similar to recruitment for more prevalent conditions, it's a puzzle of its own. Conditions affecting a fraction of the population present complex obstacles. From the intricate challenge of participant scarcity, where the rarity of these conditions presents a unique hurdle, to the multi-faceted complexities of engagement, the world of rare disease trials demands innovative strategies that reframe the way we approach research.

In recent years, it's been discovered that genetics can play a big role in developing a condition and even affect how a patient might respond to treatment. Because our genes can have such an impact on our health, genetic screening has become an important part of many clinical trials. With precision medicine research coming to the fore, how can researchers and their teams plan ahead to incorporate genetics into their enrolment planning? 

Last month, our team had the pleasure of attending the European Network to Cure ALS (ENCALS) meeting, an annual gathering that brings together some of the brightest minds in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research and treatment. Each year, the ENCALS meeting reaffirms the commitment of the scientific community to ending ALS and brings renewed hope to patients and their families. While our team enjoyed networking with attendees and catching up on the latest research in ALS, this year they were also focused on Sano’s poster presentation for an initiative we are calling Light the Way.

£330K grant awarded to support and engage patients at risk of MND/ALS, and track the psychological impact of genetic testing.

This webinar, featuring Sano Genetics team members Ross Rounsevell and George Bowley, highlights the importance of purposeful participant engagement in research studies. The discussion centres around meaningful research participant engagement, its significance in research, strategies for effective engagement, and the future developments enabling better study design. 

Our latest insights report focuses on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), a rare genetic disorder with significant implications for lung and liver health. AATD arises from a deficiency of the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein, which safeguards the lungs from damage. However, with this protein in short supply, the lungs become susceptible to inflammation, potentially leading to conditions like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This webinar, hosted by Paul Wicks and featuring a panel of experts in ALS and genetics, focuses on the challenges and variability in genetic testing and counselling for ALS. The experts highlight that while genetic testing is a critical component of ALS research and treatment, key challenges include making the test available to everyone who needs it and ensuring consistency among tests.

The process of clinical trial design and protocol development is a multifaceted and often complex task, demanding an intricate understanding of various elements – from disease pathology and drug characteristics to patient demographics. Add the challenge of integrating genetic research and prioritising patient engagement, and it becomes a sophisticated puzzle. However, such complexity is the engine that drives the evolution of precision medicine. Today, we explore twelve companies shaping the landscape of precision medicine by applying unique approaches to overcome design and protocol development challenges.

In this webinar, Dr. Sarah Opie-Martin and Dr. Paul Wicks discuss the latest research on SOD1 gene variants and their association with ALS. The webinar explores the implications of these findings for the diagnosis and treatment of ALS, and discusses potential avenues for future research.

Clinical trials play a crucial role in the development of pharmaceutical and biotech products. However, unforeseen challenges can arise during the trial process, potentially jeopardising the integrity and outcomes of the study. As a recent Applied Clinical Trial article noted, “while drug discovery is mostly about science, drug development is rich with, and risked by, human drama.”

Data security and privacy are critical considerations in the biotech industry, especially for companies working in genetics.

Patient centricity has become increasingly important in clinical trials for ALS. In this webinar, host Paul Wicks and Cathy Collet discuss the challenges of patient engagement in ALS clinical trials and the potential ways to overcome them.

Genomics-based drug discovery offers great potential for the development of targeted therapies that can offer new and better treatment options for patients. By utilising genetic and biomarker information, this approach allows us to gain insights into the fundamental causes of diseases. But this growing field is not without its challenges.

Last week, our team had the privilege of attending the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) conference, where groundbreaking advancements in liver research were unveiled. The conference provided an exceptional platform for experts and researchers to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration in the field of liver disease. In discussions with fellow conference-goers, our team identified several noteworthy themes emerging as key areas of interest. These included the pivotal role of genetics, particularly the PNPLA3 gene, in driving liver fibrosis in NAFLD/MASLD, the significance of AATD SERPINA 1 - PiZZ genotype pathogenicity, and the nomenclature change in NASH and MASH. Here, we will explore these developments, shedding light on the implications they hold for the future of liver disease research and patient care.

At Sano, we know that measuring and optimising data is the key to successful execution of clinical trials. That’s why we’ve put together a three-page report on key strategies to measure and optimise your data in a way that streamlines your operations. In it, we explore the significance of data collection and integration, real-time analytics, performance metrics, and predictive modelling in the world of clinical trials. Download below to learn more!

This webinar, hosted by Lindsey Wahlstrom-Edwards, Partnerships Lead for Sano Genetics, and featuring Wayne Eskridge and Dr. Neeraj Mistry from the Fatty Liver Foundation, was an informative session on the genetics and lifestyle factors that contribute to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

This webinar, moderated by Patrick Short, CEO and co-founder of Sano Genetics, and featuring two panelists, Jessi Keavney and Krista Qualmann, discussed the importance of genetic testing in understanding an individual's risk for Parkinson's disease.

Patient engagement has always been a cornerstone of successful clinical trials. It's a dynamic process that begins long before the trial and continues well after its conclusion. By fostering a strong relationship between researchers and patients, patient engagement can help improve enrollment, boost retention rates, improve the accuracy of data collected, and ensure the trial's overall success. This blog outlines the importance of patient engagement, then introduces the concept of a “Virtual Waiting Room” through which clinical trial sponsors can engage patients throughout the stages and phases of a study.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of clinical trials, technology continues to reshape and optimise various aspects of the research process. One area where digital innovation has made significant strides is in the realm of electronic consent, or e-consent. This approach to obtaining participant consent leverages the power of digital platforms to streamline and enhance the enrollment experience. By eliminating cumbersome paper-based processes, e-consent makes the consent process more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly. Participants can conveniently review and provide consent remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and expanding the reach of clinical trials. Additionally, interactive features and multimedia elements incorporated in e-consent platforms foster better participant comprehension, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their participation. 

Recently, our team was honoured to attend the World Orphan Drug Congress USA in Boston. The event brought together key stakeholders, experts, and industry leaders in the field of orphan drugs and rare diseases, and provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the pursuit of improved treatments for rare diseases. The Sano team enjoyed the insightful keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. 

Clinical trials are crucial for advancing medical knowledge, developing life-saving treatments, and improving healthcare outcomes. However, for much of history, the participation of women in clinical trials has been limited or non-existent. In this blog, we explore the history of women's inclusion in clinical trials, highlighting the challenges faced and the progress made over time.

As the landscape of healthcare and technology continues to evolve, clinical trials are undergoing significant transformations. In our latest trend report, we delve into the future of clinical trials, highlighting key trends that are revolutionising the research process. From collaboration and transparency to decentralised trials and patient-centred research, these trends hold the promise of a more efficient, inclusive, and patient-centric approach to medical advancements.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a rapidly growing neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. As research progresses, we are learning more about the role of genetics in PD development. DNA testing has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease.

Clinical trials play a vital role in advancing medical research, developing innovative treatments and improving patient care. But, a major challenge persists in the field: a lack of diversity among participants.

DNA sequencing can play an important role in clinical trials, providing valuable insights into genetic variations and facilitating research in personalised medicine. However, choosing the right laboratory for DNA sequencing is crucial to ensuring precise results. In this blog post, we will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a lab for clinical trial DNA sequencing, including expertise, technology, quality control, turnaround time, and data security.

In the ever-changing landscape of clinical trials, patient recruitment remains an ongoing challenge. To overcome this, researchers and sponsors are increasingly turning to innovative methods, such as electronic medical record (EMR) retrieval. Using EMR data effectively, clinical trial teams can enhance their recruitment strategies and improve overall trial success. Here, we explore how and why EMR retrieval can transform your patient recruitment approach. 

Clinical trials are vital for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. However, conducting trials in different regions, such as the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), involves navigating unique regulatory frameworks and cultural factors. In this blog post, we will explore the nuances in the EU and US clinical trial markets, focusing on study design and protocol development, patient recruitment, prescreening, consent, and patient engagement.

Patient registries, sometimes called patient databases, are a useful tool in any clinical trial patient recruitment strategy. They help researchers quickly identify potential study participants who may meet trial eligibility requirements and have raised their hand as interested in participating in research. In addition, they assist with ensuring that the patient pool is representative of the population being studied. With so many registries available, it can be challenging to know which one might work best for your particular study. Here, we discuss some key factors to consider when selecting a patient registry for clinical trial patient recruitment.

Clinical trials play a critical role in developing new treatments and therapies for Parkinson's disease, an age-related degenerative brain condition that causes slowed movements, tremors, balance problems, and more. Parkinson's disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is expected to continue to rise as the population ages. However, with some treatment options currently approved and many trials looking for newly diagnosed or treatment-naive patients, recruiting patients for these trials can be quite challenging. Using a variety of different recruitment channels can help reach the right patients, where they are and when they are looking for options. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting different channels for Parkinson's disease clinical trial patient recruitment.

This webinar, hosted by Sano Genetics Partnership Lead Lindsey Wahlstrom-Edwards and featuring representatives from COUCH Health, Lupus Research Alliance, and Acclinate, highlighted the importance of equitable access as well as community and patient engagement in precision medicine. The discussion centered on various user research topics and methods, including how to evaluate user feedback effectively and the importance of understanding user needs.

For clinical trial sponsors, selecting the right Contract Research Organization (CRO) is a critical piece to the successful execution of a clinical trial. CROs can assist with a wide variety of important elements of the research process, including feasibility and study design, executing the protocol, managing data, and providing regulatory support. It’s important to choose a CRO that understands the services you are and are not looking for, and can work towards meeting your study objectives. In this blog, we’ll review some key considerations to take into account when bringing on a CRO, including CRO focus, services offered, and questions to ask.

In this episode of "The Genetics Podcast," host Patrick Short interviews Daniel McArthur, Director of the Centre for Population Genomics at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. The discussion focused on the impact of large-scale genetic datasets on patient diagnosis and treating genetic subtypes of disease, and the power of big data and consortiums to enable pioneering discoveries.

Sano Genetics and BenevolentAI have successfully completed the first phase of their research collaboration. 

Sano and BenevolentAI have worked closely over the past year to generate a linked genetic and medical record dataset for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The project, partly funded by the UK government’s innovation agency grant, uses a study design that doesn’t require patients to travel to specific clinical sites, thus placing them at the heart of the process, enabling ‘real-world’ data to be collected, and creating more interactions between patients and researchers.

In a this webinar, Patrick Short, CEO and co-founder of Sano Genetics, and Patti Engel, CEO of Engage Health, discussed how applying a “rare disease mindset” can accelerate and de-risk precision medicine research. The discussion focused on a case study of a precision medicine trial in movement disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease, where they successfully identified patients with rare genetic variants of interest.

Recruiting patients for clinical trials is a crucial component of the drug development process, and a key factor in determining the success or failure of a study. However, finding the right patients is challenging, and many trial sponsors and clinical research organisations (CROs) turn to clinical trial patient recruitment companies and site databases to help identify and enrol suitable candidates. Of course, these resources can be helpful, but for certain types of trials, there are challenges associated with relying on them. In particular, trials looking for patients with particular biomarkers may be too specific to rely on a traditional patient recruitment company or a site database. In this blog, we review these challenges and alternative methods which may address them.

National DNA Day, observed on April 25th, commemorates the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. It’s an annual, global celebration – and this year, it marks both the 20th anniversary of the Human Genome Project’s completion and the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix. National DNA Day is a day to reflect on the importance of genetics and DNA research in our lives, including the impact it has had on healthcare. 

Earlier this month, our team had the pleasure of attending the CMO Summit 360 in Boston. This event brought together top-level medical executives and experts from the biotech industry to discuss the latest trends and innovations in clinical decision making, regulatory strategy, communications, business development, and more. Sano sponsored a table at the event, and was excited to chat with and learn from both attendees and speakers. In this blog, we outline three key themes that emerged throughout the event: understanding the patient, engaging patient advocacy groups (PAGs), and driving diversity in medical research.

If you’re struggling to enroll your trial, you’re not alone. It’s so difficult that nine out of ten trials require the original timeline to be doubled to meet enrollment goals – and when you add in a genetic component, it becomes even more challenging.

This webinar, hosted by Patrick Short of Sano Genetics and featuring Wayne Eskridge and Dr. Neeraj Mistry focussed on the non-invasive screening and genomics in NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).

With 40% of patients enrolled in clinical trials dropping out prior to study completion, patient engagement and retention is becoming an increasingly crucial aspect of the clinical research process. The most convenient and effective patient engagement solutions today take advantage of technology to deliver personalised resources and support, whilst also improving patient outcomes and streamlining the clinical trial process. For example, some of the most frequently-used patient engagement technology includes digital health platforms, gamification, AI-powered chatbots and predictive analytics, telehealth, and patient portals.

This webinar, hosted by Patrick Short, CEO of Sano Genetics, and featuring Lindsey Wahlstrom-Edwards, Partnerships Lead at Sano Genetics, focused on the challenges patient organisations face in supporting innovation while also keeping patient health information safe.

MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) is a chronic liver disease that has gained significant attention from the pharmaceutical industry and clinical societies in the last decade. In this webinar, Dimitar Tonev, a trained hepatologist and an expert in chronic liver diseases, chatted with Patrick Short, CEO of Sano Genetics, to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities in developing drugs for MASH.

This webinar was hosted by Paul Wicks and featured Sano CEO Patrick Short, Rakhi Rajani from Genomics England, and Julian Hastings Ward who chairs the participant panel for Genomics England.

Medical research is moving faster than ever, and while this is exciting news for patients waiting for new and better treatments, it also highlights the bottlenecks that are slowing the process down. One such bottleneck is clinical trial patient recruitment; a third of all delays for Phase III studies are caused by difficulties finding patients to take part. And while it’s estimated that recruitment costs make up 40% of all trial expenditures, 80% of studies fail to meet their enrollment deadlines. These delays are costly, too – for many sponsors, every month delayed can cost an additional $1 million. 

This webinar, hosted by Patrick Short, CEO of Sano Genetics, and featuring Dr. Mark Kotter, CEO of bit.bio, focused on precision medicine in multiple sclerosis. The conversation ranged from stem cells and the effect they can have on neurodegenerative disease like multiple sclerosis to the future of synthetic biology.

This webinar, hosted by Sano Genetics and featuring representatives from Newcastle University, Congenica, UK CRC Tissue Directory and Co-ordination Centre and Sano Genetics, focussed on the topic of diversity in clinical trials. The speakers discussed how to promote diversity in research participation, the importance of patient engagement and involvement, and how to flag potential issues earlier in the research process.

This webinar was hosted by Sano Genetics' scientific advisor, Paul Wicks, and featured representatives from Genomics England as well as Sage Bionetworks. The discussion centered around experiences and insights on patient engagement in precision medicine research, including how patients can be more involved in this type of research, as well as how design systems can impact engagement.

This webinar, hosted by Paul Wicks featuring Craig Lipset and Liam Eves focussed on some of the major challenges of decentralized and hybrid clinical trials, solutions to overcome them, and some practical examples.

In this webinar, Patrick Short (Co-Founder and CEO at Sano Genetics) and Will Jones (Co-Founder and CTO at Sano Genetics) discuss the technical challenges of biomarker-based pre-screening. Patrick and Will touch on the importance of running large-scale clinical research programs that are focused on biomarkers, the challenges of finding a central source of truth for participant numbers, how best to ensure compliance across different jurisdictions, and how to engage participants in long-term programs.

In this blog we explore the impact of COVID-19 on clinical trial recruitment, the role of patient-centricity in creating long-term engagement and more.

• Sano raises $11 million in Series A funding round led by MMC Ventures
• New funding will support the team to grow and further its mission to accelerate personalised medicine research
• Sano aims to address the challenge of a decades-long, costly drug development process so that new treatments can reach patients faster

In this blog we explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical trials, how organisation have been rethinking current approaches, and what the future of virtual clinical trials could look like.

• Sano Genetics supports personalised medicine research by increasing participation in clinical trials and guiding patients through the process
• Half of clinical trials are delayed due to recruitment issues and 85% fail as they can’t retain enough participants 
• Seed round will fund free at-home DNA testing kits for 3,000 people affected by Long Covid, further development of its tech platform and team expansion

If you missed our webinar, you can catch up on an exciting discussion about the future of precision medicine research in multiple sclerosis here on our blog.

Recognising the true value of patient experience is vital for successful studies and future research engagement.

DNA testing is on the rise, with companies like Ancestry DNA, My Heritage, and 23andme all making direct-to-consumer genetic testing more accessible. But there are a few different kinds of tests out on the market and they all offer different results. If you’re looking into a rare condition, whole genome sequencing might be necessary, but if you’re just looking into your ancestry or for general health insights, exome sequencing is likely to be all you’ll need. Read on to discover the differences between the tests and their uses.

Advances in large-scale genome sequencing, data storage, and analysis, combined with extensive scientific research, are accelerating the development of personalised medicine and disease prevention. These advancements are already helping to improve outcomes for patients with chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease and breast cancer. But one of the most prevalent conditions is depression, a debilitating mental illness ranked by the World Health Organization as the leading cause of worldwide disability which impacts approximately one in six people during their lifetime. In this blog, we explore the latest research in genetic causes of depression, and whether precision medicine in this area is on the horizon.

With the exponential growth of genomic data and analysis techniques we are seeing huge breakthroughs in use of polygenic risk scores to predict genetic risk of many common diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The study of genetic risk for common diseases is complex, as many genetic and environmental variants affect the disease risk. But following the success of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in identifying the causal variants associated with the disease, polygenic risk scores (PRS) provide a way of aggregating all the variants carried by an individual into a single risk score.

There is huge potential for genomics to improve effectiveness and lower costs in healthcare. The reduction in sequencing costs and the availability of tools to securely store, process, and analyse large-scale data is accelerating research in genomics, and fueling progress. One area within this field with the fastest growth and greatest potential is the incorporation of genetic testing into clinical trials.