Insights on Innovation, Enrollment Gaps, and Startup Success in Clinical Trials

Selin Kurnaz, joins Liam Eves and Ted Trafford

Innovating Clinical Trials

This podcast episode, hosted by Liam EES and Ted Trafford, features Selin Kurnaz, founder and CEO of Massive Bio. The discussion focuses on addressing critical challenges in clinical trial awareness, access, and enrollment for cancer patients through the use of artificial intelligence and innovative processes.

Background and Mission of Massive Bio:

  • Massive Bio was founded due to Selin Kurnaz’s personal experience with her uncle’s cancer diagnosis, revealing the challenges of navigating the fragmented clinical trial landscape.
  • The company leverages AI to connect cancer patients to clinical trials, addressing inefficiencies in awareness, access, and enrollment.

Challenges in Clinical Trials:

  • Awareness Problem: Many physicians are unaware of clinical trials beyond their own institutions, limiting patient options.
  • Access Problem: Patients face logistical and informational barriers when attempting to identify and join relevant trials.
  • Process Problem: The enrollment journey involves 41 distinct steps, creating operational bottlenecks and delays.

Massive Bio’s Approach:

  • Combines AI-driven scalability with personalized “concierge” services to support patients in navigating trial options, logistics, insurance, and enrollment processes.
  • Focuses on reducing inefficiencies such as pre-screening delays, logistical challenges, and insufficient molecular diagnostic testing.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

  • Pharma Companies: Seek patient recruitment solutions but often underestimate operational complexities.
  • Investors: Show interest in AI but may overlook the necessary human and operational elements to ensure success.
  • Patients: Desire streamlined, accessible options that reduce disruption to their lives.

Advice for Startups in the Industry:

  • Solve significant problems and clearly identify target stakeholders and revenue models.
  • Understand the lengthy sales cycles in healthcare and align investor expectations accordingly.
  • Focus on addressing pain points with both innovative technology and essential human elements.

Massive Bio exemplifies how technology and human-centric services can transform the clinical trial experience, making it more accessible and effective for patients. The conversation underscores the importance of tackling systemic barriers, fostering collaboration across stakeholders, and maintaining a patient-first approach.