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Clinical research blog

Explore our blog for insights into the big questions in precision medicine and clinical research.

Handling variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in clinical trials

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.

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What is a patient registry, and what role do they play in precision medicine clinical trials?

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.

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The science of success: Clinical trial recruitment strategies [whitepaper]

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.

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The genetic evidence advantage in drug development

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.

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What are the major sources of genetic data for drug discovery?

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.

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Understanding the modern genetic testing landscape

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. 

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The power of patient registries

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. 

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Webinar recap: Ethical and regulatory landscapes in precision medicine

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.

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6 genetics podcasts you need to listen to

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:

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7 ways you can work with Sano

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. 

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