The Applications of Real-World Data in Biotech with Lana Denysyk

This week, we’re delighted to be joined by Lana Denysyk, Head of RWD Assets at Novo Nordisk.

During this conversation, Lana shares how real-world data is used in biotech, diving into how it can help clinicians understand patient experiences outside clinical trials. Lana also discusses the challenges in acquiring and utilising real-world data, the importance of having a centralised team to manage it, and emerging data types like patient-reported outcomes and health equity data. 

Data in Biotech is a fortnightly podcast exploring how companies leverage data innovation in life sciences.

Discussed: 

[1:08] Lana talks about her career to date, from public health graduate to head of a real-world data department at Nova Nordisk. 

[3:55] Ross and Lana break down exactly what real-world data means and how biotech organisations use it. 

[7:03] Lana outlines that RWD is part of a diverse data ecosystem in organizations and why it's crucial to understand which data type best suits specific research questions to avoid silos and maximize data utilization. 

[8:40] Lana gives examples of the types of stakeholder groups that have research questions where RWD is helpful. 

[11:54] Lana walks through how she thinks about scoping a request for RWD and understanding the limitations and applicability of the data. 

[17:36] Ross and Lana discuss the role of RWD professionals in facilitating broader access to data through platforms and tools for non-data scientists. 

[19:33] Lana highlights why standardizing real-world data management processes, despite the diversity in data types, is crucial for efficiently integrating new data into an organization and what this process looks like. 

[21:31] Lana discusses the role of GDPR and HIPAA and its impact on RWD. 

[23:52] Lana discusses real-world data strategy in pharma, highlighting the importance of assessing data adequacy, employee training, and educating all staff on data capabilities and limitations for effective future use. 

[29:10] Lana shares her excitement about emerging real-world data sets beyond traditional claims and EMR sources in pharma,

[32:30] Lana lists some resources people can use to stay up-to-date on the application of RWD in biotech.

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If you’re a biotech company struggling to unlock a data challenge, CorrDyn can help.

Whether you need to supplement existing technology teams with specialist expertise or launch a data program that lays the groundwork for future internal hires, you can partner with Corrdyn to unlock the potential of your business data - today. 

Visit connect.corrdyn.com/biotech to learn more.