Quintiles launches digital patient unit

Quintiles has announced the launch of its digital patient unit, a new organisation that aims to provide patients with information on personal health management.

The unit combines the biopharmaceutical services provider's online communities and digital expertise to provide people with more opportunities to participate in clinical research, observational studies and other programmes that can help in the management of various conditions.

Central to the new offering is the company's existing patient communities at MediGuard.com and ClinicalResearch.com, which provide members with guidance on drug safety issues and the availability of local trials.

David Coman, senior vice-president at Quintiles and head of the new digital patient unit, said this move reflects the fact that people are increasingly likely to use the internet as a resource to find out more about their health.

"We will be better able to … provide our customers with a more efficient channel to find the appropriate people who may be interested in participating in clinical, observational or disease management programmes," he said.

Last month, the company announced a new partnership with drugmaker Intarcia Therapeutics pertaining to the development of a new therapy for diabetes.