Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1231107
"We are a clinical research company that is focused on ma ximizing physicians' fl ex- ibility and prof it, utilizing automation in the clinica l research industry," says Holly Bain, PRN's founder. PRN will negotiate contracts and budgets, as well as fully equip existing practices with certifi ed research staff , administration sup- port, research equipment, training, regulatory submissions, pharmacists and continuous sponsor representation. "It's a turnkey process for physicians and an important source of alternative treatment for patients," Bain says. "We've been able to bring therapies to patients that are not currently on the market." One such treatment is PRN's ongoing non- alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) trial to treat fi brosis of the liver in patients with fatty liver dis- ease, which currently has no available treatment. One of the challenges that PRN tackles is a reluctance on the part of the medical establish- ment to embrace new ideas and technolog y when it comes to performing clinical trials. "I think because the space is so highly reg ulated, people are intimidated," Bain says. PRN looks to fi nd technologies that can be easily and eff ectively adapted to clinica l tria ls. They look for ineffi ciencies and apply technology to streamline and simplify the process. For example, time spent doing monotonous tasks is replaced with scalable technologies. Using software and continuous monitoring devices to automate repetitive work and reporting — for example, using Ideal Science's TempStick technolog y for real-time temperature tracking — can reduce the labor involved in the trial process and increase accuracy. One such idea is the implementation of virtual clinical trial visits, otherwise known as telemedicine, which leverage the abundant access to internet-capable devices many of us have. This technology allows for trials and regular doctor's appointments to continue in the most dire circumstances, such as what we are facing with the — Aaron Ali, MD, CEO of MedtoMarket " These are unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic. As a physician, as a father of three sons, as a husband and as an entrepreneur, the reality of what this pandemic has done to us physically, mentally and economically is difficult to take in without being depressed or fearful. Fear and panic are not the answer. One thing I have learned over the years is we are a resilient country. It will be the scientists, doctors, nurses and entrepreneurs who will bring us out of these dark times with the support of the hospitals, clinics and surgical centers. It will be the wet labs, clinical trial specialists and pharmaceutical companies that will bring medicines to the people who need them most. Though this article was written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it could not have come out at a better time. The collaboration between entities across our healthcare ecosystem is more important than ever. Stay safe, stay healthy — but more importantly, stay optimistic." — AARON ALI, MD, ANESTHESIOLOGIST AND CEO OF MEDTOMARKET Mario Sierra, Business Strategist with Paramount Research Network and graduate of Clinical Research Fastrack's training program Holly Bain, Founder and CEO of Paramount Research Network M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S S A N A N T O N I O ■ 2 0 2 0 0 7