In December 2013, Sanofi opened its submissions for the second challenge in its Partners in Patient Health, which is an open innovation challenge to "embrace a novel approach to partnering with people, ideas, and solutions across the advocacy community." The goal is to focus on critical issues that will advance patient and consumer health, while offering new solutions to improve the drug development process. This year, the focus was on Collaborate Innovate and teams of non-profit patient, provider or professional associations that collaborated on their initiatives and submissions.

The finalist event will take place at Sanofi's U.S. Headquarters in Bridgewater, NJ on May 9. the finalists will present their refined solutions and implementation plans to the judges at the finalist event, and the winning team will receive $100,000 and the opportunity to access additional expertise and non-monetary resources through Sanofi US. 

The four finalists to this challenge were announced last month, and include: 


  Capturing patient voice on muscle loss and impact on quality of life to improve recognition of sarcopenia. Insights from a simple survey for older patients will assist pharma, researchers, and regulatory to develop treatments, while a new function on aginginmotion.org will encourage patients to learn about emerging research and clinical trials.
Partnering Organizations: Alliance for Aging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine


  A living laboratory for type 1 diabetes research inside an app. Patient data and interaction from the Glu app will drive research creation, preclinical ideas, patient engagement and education, and co-creation of activities.
Partnering Organizations: T1D Exchange/Unitio, Inc., MIT Hacking Medicine


  A unique traveling museum exhibit dedicated to recognizing the gift of volunteer participation in clinical research. A first of its kind, the 12-city, 3-year exhibit tour targets children through high schoolers and their families. The aim of the exhibit is to change public perception, and build appreciation and support of clinical trials by showcasing volunteers’ experiences, engaging visitors in interactive educational activities, and connecting research participation to advancements in public health.
Partnering Organizations: The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO)


  “Big data” genetic analysis to provide new clues to the higher incidence of ALS in veterans. Connecting open innovation, reliable veterans organizations, and the ALS research community aims to provide new conclusive insights about ALS and accelerate application of individualized therapies.
Partnering Organizations: Innovative Solutions Consortium, Johns Hopkins University

News

In December 2013, Sanofi opened its submissions for the second challenge in its Partners in Patient Health