Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): The Importance of Patient Engagement in Improving Clinical Trial Recruitment

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive disorder with increasing prevalence. There are currently no FDA approved treatments for the disease, and lifestyle improvements play a large role in disease management. A recent study conducted by Syneos Health shows that patients lack understanding of disease causes, implications, and prognosis. This is a large gap in the current standard of care which not only causes confusion and anxiety that impacts their ability to take charge of their own health but is also likely a limiting factor in clinical trial participation. Clinical trials should be incorporated into the current standard of care as an option for NAFLD patients while more robust clinical guidelines are developed. Sponsors have a significant opportunity to address important unmet needs for patients, even as their own research progresses to find new treatments.

This webinar will provide you with new real world insight to better understand the trends and patterns associated with the typical journey of patients living with NAFLD.

• Gain insights into the NAFLD patient journey and perceptions
• Better understand specific factors impacting clinical trial participation
• Recognize informational, educational, and support needs of patients to help drive better trial performance

Speakers

Alastair D. Smith, MB ChB, Senior Director, Medical Management and Scientific Services, Clinical Solutions, Syneos Health

Alastair Smith is committed to improving the outlook for patients with incurable and progressive forms of chronic liver disease, with the goal of reducing development of end-stage liver disease and its complications as well as the need for transplantation and premature death rates among this group.

Before joining Syneos Health^® in 2015, he was a hepatologist at Duke University and medical director of liver transplantation for more than 8 years. Currently, Dr. Smith works in the Medical Management and Scientific Services group focused on delivering outstanding medical monitoring services to clients working in this space.

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Nicole Bass, MS, Director, Medical Management and Scientific Services, Syneos Health

Nicole Bass is Director, Medical Management and Scientific Services (MMSS) at Syneos Health-Wilmington, where she is responsible for management and allocation of departmental resources for approximately 168 medical and scientific personnel. Nicole also manages the MMSS business unit financial performance for over 250 studies. Nicole has worked in the clinical research industry for 6 years and has received her master’s degree in Clinical Research and Product Development from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Nicole has experience with process development, budgets, proposals, contracts, project management, and business development. Nicole has also served as the MMSS business unit representative for various corporate initiatives.

Nicole has her Bachelor’s in Psychology from North Carolina State University, Raleigh where she also completed post-baccalaureate work in Biology and Chemistry. Prior to working for Syneos Health, Nicole worked in a medical clinic following testing and research protocol and assisting with data collection, implementation, and analysis for several clinical research studies.

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