Scientists follow 'Facebook' strategy to corral cancer Big Data
For all their speedy sequencing of genomes, scientists have yet to figure out what all the DNA data mean about diseases, holding back the information from being used in patient treatment.
PatientsLikeMe seals CRO deal for online trial recruitment
PatientsLikeMe has found more interest in its online tool for promoting clinical trials to members of its social network. The CRO outfit inVentiv Health and PatientsLikeMe have formed a partnership that could expand the use of services from both companies.
GutCheck nabs $4M, aids Pfizer with consumer-research software
Denver-based market research startup GutCheck has found $4 million for a Series B round of financing.
Berkeley professor: Genomic data leaks seem inevitable
As genomic data swells beyond expectations, researchers face a dilemma over how to secure the information on people's DNA without stymying progress in the genomics revolution. In an opinion column in Nature, University of California, Berkeley Professor Steven Brenner tackles the issue and lays out a set of potential solutions.
Cancer Research UK mulls multiple video game options
Cancer Research UK, the funder of oncology studies, has deputized gamers to help solve research problems for fun. And the head of the group's digital efforts has a dozen or so research tasks that could be translated into video games, PMLive reported.
23andMe seeks consumer boost in long-range data strategy
Last week 23andMe sent a clear signal about its interest in attracting more customers to its genetic testing service, hiring board member and consumer web veteran Andy Page as president.
10 startups fueling pharma in social media
Slow-moving regulators have kept the rules of engagement on social media platforms fuzzy for pharma players. Yet rather than sit on the sidelines waiting for the FDA to take a firm stance on dos and don'ts, many pharma companies have taken a shot at safe moves in the social realm. Potentially powerful collaboration tools have also attracted pharma groups, bringing scientists, patients and physicians into the same digital arenas to share ideas and partner on research. Read the report >>
FDA joins chorus of concern about cybersecurity threats
The FDA jumped off the sidelines in the ongoing discussion about threats to networked medical devices, issuing draft guidance to manufacturers and others to take additional precautions against cyberattacks that endanger patients.
Firm tries startup's tech tricks for clinical trial recruitment
Global consulting firm InVentiv Health has struck a partnership with the social analytics startup Medikly, believing that young company's technology gives it an edge in assisting its clients with finding physicians to participate in clinical research.
Microsoft's Bill Gates backs open R&D in social-media investment
Bill Gates has added his high-profile name and dollars to the open-science movement.
AstraZeneca bolsters software systems for virtual R&D of neuroscience drugs
AstraZeneca ($AZN) has beefed up its lineup of software vendors for its virtual neuroscience group. A provider of clinical trials software, ePharmaSolutions plans to support AZ's neuroscience group with study apps and cloud computing.
NIH, BGI, others ally to share Big Data in genomics
Nearly 70 organizations have united to form an ambitious global alliance to improve how genomic and clinical data are managed and shared.
In latest acquisition, IMS Health scoops up Incential Software
Continuing its acquisition spree, IMS Health has scooped up yet another cloud-based software company--the fourth in the past several months--buying up Raleigh, NC-based Incential Software to advance its sales and planning capabilities for life sciences companies on an even broader scale.
Pharma giant Boehringer Ingelheim backs startup program Rock Health
The endorsement comes as San Francisco-based Rock Health announces a new class of 11 startups for its accelerator program, which provides access to guidance, financing and experts to help the young operations succeed.
GenoSpace joins growing alliance for sharing translational research data
Cambridge, MA-based software company GenoSpace has teamed up with a growing number of pharma, academic and tech groups to support tranSMART, a platform for improving the use of mass quantities of translational research data.
Software-backed MTI system spots breast tumors
South Korean researchers have made progress with a microwave tomography imaging (MTI) system for detecting breast tumors, seeking an alternative that could be more accurate than mammography.
BT and Accelrys deepen ties for cloud computing in life sciences
BT and Accelrys have expanded their joint efforts to give life sciences researchers access to web-based software tools and data. The companies have combined their respective technologies again to help researchers mine massive data sets from U.K. and U.S. sources for valuable knowledge.
OpGen teams with bioinformatics outfit to combat outbreaks
OpGen has beefed up the technology around its whole-genome mapping system, which can be used to spot the DNA fingerprints of pathogens and other molecules.
FDA seeks quant jocks to find pharma fraud in era of Big Data
The FDA wants to infuse more data analytics into the agency's hunts for unlawful activity in the pharma industry. The regulator has put out a call for external experts to provide its investigators with access to real-time data on pharma product distribution and promotions, Regulatory Focus reports.
Eli Lilly backs mobile app for cancer docs
Eli Lilly has invested more in digital overtures to cancer specialists. The pharma giant has sponsored a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices that provides reviews of journal articles, aiming to help keep busy physicians abreast of the latest research in their areas of specialty or interest.
