MedUni Vienna spin-off facilitates access to clinical studies
Two renowned physicians from the Medical University of Vienna have introduced an innovative digital tool that could fundamentally improve access to clinical studies. "Preferrix", developed by Daniel Aletaha and Josef Smolen (Department of Medicine III, Clinical Division of Rheumatology), connects doctors directly with clinical study centres. The platform is operated by Dayotec GmbH, a spin-off of the Medical University of Vienna, and is designed to facilitate the exchange of information in research.
After several years of development in collaboration with an IT company (Cyberschmiede GmbH), the tool from the MedUni Vienna spin-off is now in practical use. The goal is ambitious: Preferrix is designed to give patients nationwide access to clinical studies – regardless of where they live or their care situation. "We are closing a critical gap in the healthcare system," explains Josef Smolen. "Until now, patients treated at specialised outpatient clinics were the main ones to have access to innovative therapies in clinical studies. With Preferrix, we are changing that fundamentally."
The software has been specifically designed to meet the needs of all parties involved: patients, attending physicians and study centres benefit equally. Treating physicians can register with just a few clicks, gain insight into current study protocols and register potential study participants. The study centres, in turn, can view registered patients and contact those who are suitable for them. "Under-recruitment is currently the most significant threat to Austria as a study location," emphasises Daniel Aletaha, Head of the Clinical Division of Rheumatology at MedUni Vienna. "With Preferrix, we are not only making recruitment easier, but also making Austria more attractive overall for international study operators."
The platform was initially used in the rheumatology field and in the Vienna area, but is technically suitable for all medical specialisations and is already being used beyond rheumatology. The founders have an ambitious vision: the system should be established nationwide and, in the long term, even throughout Europe. The goal is a disease-agnostic tool that can be used for clinical studies in all medical specialisations.
Under the agreement, MedUni Vienna is granted the right to use Preferrix free of charge for its own studies in which the university acts as sponsor – a win-win for all parties involved.
Contact
Mag. Johannes Angerer
Medizinische Universität Wien
Leiter Kommunikation und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Telefon: 01/40160-11501
E-Mail: presse@meduniwien.ac.at
Website: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/pr
Mag.a Karin Kirschbichler
Medizinische Universität Wien
Kommunikation und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Tel.: 01/ 40 160-11505
E-Mail: presse@meduniwien.ac.at
Website: https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/pr