Exco InTouch, the leading provider of patient communication solutions for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, has announced that its novel eDiary technologies have been selected by Pfizer, the world's leading pharmaceutical company, as part of the first ever Participatory Patient-Centered (PPC) clinical trial. The pilot study will utilize Exco InTouch's leading eDiary technologies to enable patients to participate regardless of location, age or proximity to site.  Focusing on new Research on Electronic Monitoring of OAB Treatment Experience (REMOTE) Phase 4 for the treatment of overactive bladder, the study will mimic a previously completed trial in order to replicate the results and validate this novel approach.

In order to support the success of this patient-centered, field-based clinical research, Pfizer required a mobile technology platform offering an ease-of-use interface that provided accessibility particularly for older patients.  With an estimated five billion cellphone users worldwide, cell phones make an ideal and accessible platform for patient engagement in clinical trials. As part of the revolutionary new approach piloted by the REMOTE study, patients will be empowered to participate remotely in the screening process through trials via the internet, participate in trials that due to location may not have previously been possible, actively manage their own trial and report results directly to a trial. As a result, researchers expect to save time and obtain more reliable, higher quality data through increased patient compliance and engagement, lower withdrawal rates and real-time data collection. The new approach will also eliminate the significant costs associated with the management and co-ordination of running multiple clinical sites.

Exco InTouch offers three validated ePRO solutions, spanning simple diaries to the most complex clinical assessments, all of which can be customized to meet the requirements of individual trials. These technologies have been developed with an intuitive design to provide easy navigation that enhances the user experience, while positively impacting on-going compliance from patients, regardless of their age and logistics. Where specific and targeted data collection is required, patients can complete diary questionnaires via a series of text messages sent to their own cellphone. If a response is not received by the patient within a certain timeframe, a text message reminder can be automatically sent in order to prompt a response. The ability to capture patient data in "real-time" means that investigator site staff can be alerted to abnormal patient data and react to ensure patient safety.

"The REMOTE virtual trial pilot brings great potential to transform how patients access and participate in clinical trials," said Miguel Orri MD,

Senior Director and Clinical Lead, Pfizer.   "The project brings the potential to accelerate clinical research while improving quality, measures vital to the future of drug development."

Tim Davis, CEO of Exco InTouch, comments: "Exco InTouch is delighted that its leading ePRO technology has been selected to support such a revolutionary new study. The intuitive, light-weight and accessible nature of the Exco InTouch eDiary technology meant it was the natural choice for Pfizer in its efforts to increase access to clinical trials for the broadest patient population."

For further information on the Exco InTouch range of solutions, please call +44 1279 709 040 or +1 877 327 5777 or visit www.excointouch.com.