Is the current clinical trial system fundamentally broken? With an estimated 95% of cancer patients unable to participate in clinical research, a new model is urgently needed. This episode dives deep into the world of Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs), a revolutionary approach that brings research directly to patients, breaking down long-standing barriers of geography, cost, and convenience. We explore how this model could fix a system that often fails the very people it's meant to serve.

Joined by our special guest, Dr. Jonathan Cotliar, Chief Medical Officer of Science 37, we uncover how technology is making research more accessible and equitable. We dissect the immense challenges of traditional trials, discussing the incredible burden placed on patients and how this leads to a staggering lack of clinical trial diversity. You'll learn about the innovative solutions that are changing the game, from remote data collection using wearable sensors to virtual study visits. We trace the fascinating journey of Science 37, a pioneer in the DCT space, from its founding in 2014, through its meteoric rise during the pandemic and a $1.3 billion SPAC merger, to its current operations. The discussion also tackles the significant hurdles to adoption, including industry inertia and the critical role of evolving FDA guidance on clinical trials. Dr. Cotliar shares his firsthand experience navigating regulatory skepticism and convincing multi-billion dollar pharma companies to embrace this new frontier. A key focus of our conversation is the transformation of clinical trial patient recruitment, moving from a site-centric model to direct-to-patient outreach through digital channels and patient advocacy groups, especially for rare diseases. Discover the key benefits of decentralized trials and what the future holds for drug development and patient care.

About Our Guest:
Dr. Jonathan Cotliar is the Chief Medical Officer at Science 37. A former academic clinician trained at UCLA as an internist and dermatologist, Dr. Cotliar made the leap from full-time clinical care to the startup world. He joined Science 37 in its early stages, helping to build the company from the ground up and wearing multiple hats, from medical executive to making cold calls to patients. He shares his unique journey and provides invaluable insights into what it takes for a physician to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial health tech environment, shaping the future of clinical research.

Timestamps / Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: What are Decentralized Clinical Trials?
(02:41) The Problem: Understanding the Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation
(04:50) Why We Must Increase Clinical Trial Diversity for Better Healthcare
(07:05) The Story of Science 37: From Founding to a $1.3B SPAC Merger
(14:15) The Metasite™ Platform: The Technology Powering DCTs
(17:20) Navigating Risks and Industry Inertia in Adopting DCTs
(22:16) Meet Dr. Jonathan Cotliar: A Physician's Journey from Academia to a Tech Startup
(33:39) Overcoming Industry Skepticism & The Evolution of FDA Guidance
(37:40) How a Decentralized Clinical Trial Works in Practice
(44:20) Innovative Patient Recruitment Strategies for Rare & Complex Diseases
(48:37) Final Advice for Clinicians Eyeing a Career in Health Tech