Selected Case Studies

Consulting

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Patent Landscape Analysis of a Novel Drug for Treating Autism

A pharmaceutical company developing a novel drug for Autism Spectrum Disorder sought a comprehensive review of the intellectual property landscape to navigate competitive risks and opportunities. A global patent search across multiple databases identified relevant filings, informing the company’s approach to development, protection, and market positioning. The findings shaped its IP strategy and R&D priorities.

Targeting Market-First in the EU for a Single-Pill Triple Hypertension Drug Combination

The end client, a generics drug provider, aimed to be market-first in the EU with a single-pill triple hypertension drug combination. Analysis of the top 125 competitors' clinical trials, websites, news, investor communications, IP, publications, and regulatory applications revealed seven developers working on similar drugs, with two combinations not under development by any competitor. These insights helped the client target unique drug combinations, putting them on the path to gaining a market-first advantage.

Insights into Hair Growth Trends and Market Gaps

The end client, a Fortune 500 consumer goods corporation, sought insights into hair growth trends and market gaps. Dermatologist and trichologist interviews revealed that younger adults and women seek treatment for hair issues, with regional differences. East Asian clients prefer invasive measures over oral drugs. PRP injections and photostimulation are seen as impactful. Nutraceuticals and device-based products show promise. Strong scientific evidence and better-targeted marketing are needed.

Analysis of Predictive Algorithms for Opioid Use Disorder and Healthcare Integration

The end client, a US-based health benefits payer, commissioned an analysis of predictive algorithms for opioid use disorder and possible healthcare integration. Expert opinions were gathered on key risk predictors and benchmarks to assess algorithm functionality, usability, and integration into healthcare workflows. Clinician and pharmacist interviews gave insights into their needs, how a predictive tool can facilitate workflows, and how algorithm integration into the iRx can address clinician needs.

Informing Gastroretentive Device Design for Pet Medications

The end client, a global leader in animal health, sought insights to develop a gastroretentive device aimed at keeping pet medications in the stomach longer. The challenge was determining the pylorus diameter across various dog and cat breeds. Research identified pylorus sizes by breed weight from an exhaustive search of relevant literature and observed the size of objects passing through. These findings informed the client's strategy, leading to a revised development approach.

ICHRA Space Market Assessment

The end client, a fintech provider in the benefits space, sought a comprehensive assessment of the Independent Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) market. Interviews with insurance industry stakeholders, technology providers, and customers revealed potential savings for companies with ICHRA, which companies benefit most from transitioning to ICHRA, and comparisons of ICHRA against Small Group in terms of cost savings and plan selection.

Electronic Data Use Trends for Managing Bladder Dysfunction

The end client, a medical device company, requested an analysis of trends in electronic data use for diagnosing and managing bladder dysfunction, focusing on innovations from the last five years. Secondary research, supported by urologist interviews, revealed a shift towards less-invasive, portable (homecare), and automated technologies. Though clinicians saw value in the devices’ data collection capabilities, they expressed concerns about these technologies’ reliability, ease of use, and real-world applicability.

Identifying Market Opportunities for Biopolymers

The end client, a biotechnology company, wanted to identify biopolymer applications that surpass current solutions. Recent protein/polypeptide research was evaluated for novelty and marketability. The research revealed opportunities for hydrophobins and bioadhesives, confirmed through expert interviews. Hydrophobins excelled in nanolayer coating and biosurfactant roles, uniquely altering surfaces. Yet, hydrophobins lacked superior price/performance over synthetic adhesives.

Landscape of Rodent GEM Generation Cores at US Research Institutions

The end client, a provider of genetically engineered models (GEM), wanted to identify US universities with GEM generation cores and analyse potential partnership opportunities to drive targeted outreach to promising candidates. The client received detailed capabilities and throughput information for each GEM core. This allowed the client to develop relationships with academic cores and leverage appropriate product portfolios and messaging for partnerships and collaborations.

Contact Lens Innovation Landscape (June 2019 to June 2020)

The end client, a Fortune 500 contact lens manufacturer, sought a comprehensive landscape of specific contact lens technology innovations (June 2019 to June 2020) that may be commercialised. A comprehensive analysis of clinical trials, industry news, technology transfer reports, IP, and academic publications was performed. Outside electronic smart lenses, innovations focused mainly on improved wettability, molecule delivery, or enhancing vision.