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AI and Machine Learning in Peer Review: Improving Efficiency and Reducing Bias
by Turacoz | Jul 11, 2024 | Medical Writing
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing various sectors, peer review in academic publishing is no exception. The integration of AI and ML into the peer review process promises to enhance efficiency, reduce bias, and ensure high-quality scholarly communication. This blog explores how AI and ML are transforming peer review, the potential benefits, and the challenges associated with their implementation.
Need for AI in Peer Review
The peer review process plays a key role in academic publication, to ensure the authenticity and quality of scholarly articles. However, this system is under significant strain due to the increasing volume of manuscript submissions. According to a study, manuscript submissions have been growing at an annual rate of 6.1% since 2013, leading to a substantial increase in the workload for peer reviewers. Traditional peer review is time-consuming, with estimates suggesting that over 15 million hours are spent annually on reviewing manuscripts often resubmitted to other journals after rejection [1].
AI and ML can alleviate some of these burdens by automating parts of the review process, thereby saving time and resources. These technologies can perform initial screenings, check for plagiarism, ensure adherence to formatting guidelines, and even assess the quality of a manuscript. Such automation can free up reviewers to focus on more complex and subjective aspects of the review process.
How AI and ML Enhance Peer Review
Automated Screening and Quality Checks
AI tools can automate the initial screening of manuscripts. For example, software like Statcheck and Penelope.ai can verify the consistency of statistical reporting and check whether a manuscript meets a journal’s structural requirements. These tools can quickly identify common issues such as plagiarism, incorrect formatting, and language errors, which might otherwise delay the review process.
Reviewer-Document Matching
Matching manuscripts with appropriate reviewers is another area where AI can make a significant impact. Traditional matching relies heavily on the expertise of journal editors, but AI can analyze the content of manuscripts and reviewer profiles to suggest the most suitable reviewers. This speeds up the process and ensures that the reviewer has the relevant expertise, potentially leading to more thorough and insightful reviews.
Predicting Review Outcomes
AI can also be trained to predict the likely outcome of a peer review based on the manuscript’s content. A study demonstrated that a neural network trained on a large dataset of manuscripts and their corresponding reviews could predict review scores with a high degree of accuracy [1]. While AI cannot replace human judgment, it can assist editors in making preliminary decisions, such as identifying manuscripts that are likely to be rejected due to poor quality.
Reducing Bias in Peer Review
Bias in peer review is a well-documented issue. Reviewers may be influenced by factors such as the author’s institution, gender, or nationality, leading to unfair evaluations. AI and ML have the potential to mitigate these biases by providing objective assessments based on the content of the manuscript rather than the identity of the authors.
Uncovering Hidden Biases
AI can be used to analyze patterns in review data to uncover biases. For instance, an AI tool trained on a large dataset of peer reviews might reveal that certain types of papers or authors are consistently rated lower than others, regardless of the content. This information can help journals to develop strategies to address these biases and ensure a fairer review process.
Ethical Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, the use of AI in peer review raises ethical concerns. One major issue is the risk of perpetuating existing biases if the AI systems are trained on biased data. For example, if past reviews have favored certain demographics or institutions, the AI might learn to replicate these biases. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that AI systems are trained on diverse and representative datasets.
Another concern is the opacity of AI decision-making. Authors and reviewers may be skeptical of AI-generated recommendations if they do not understand how these decisions are made. Ensuring transparency in AI algorithms and providing clear explanations of AI decisions can help build trust among stakeholders.
Case Studies and Current Implementations
Several initiatives are already leveraging AI to support peer review. For instance, the National Natural Science Foundation of China uses AI to assist in the grant review process, aiming to reduce bias and the workload on reviewers. Similarly, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have implemented an online system to manage grant applications, which has been praised for its ability to reduce reviewer fatigue and improve transparency.
Another notable example is the use of AI in MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) to assess student essays. Automated Essay Scoring (AES) systems, used by platforms like EdX, MIT, and Harvard, have demonstrated the potential of AI to handle large volumes of written work, providing timely feedback and maintaining consistent evaluation standards.
Future Directions
The future of AI in peer review holds many possibilities. Ongoing research aims to enhance the capabilities of AI systems to handle more complex aspects of the review process, such as assessing the novelty and significance of research. Additionally, integrating AI with other technologies, such as blockchain, could further enhance transparency and accountability in peer review.
Enhancing AI Capabilities
Future AI tools could be developed to provide more sophisticated analysis of manuscripts. For example, AI could be trained to evaluate the logical coherence of arguments, the robustness of methodologies, and the relevance of cited literature. This would require advances in natural language processing (NLP) and domain-specific training.
Blockchain Integration
Integrating blockchain technology with AI could address some of the transparency issues associated with AI in peer review. Blockchain can provide a tamper-proof record of the review process, ensuring that all decisions and changes are documented and traceable. This could enhance the credibility and accountability of the peer review process.
Conclusion
AI and ML offer promising solutions to many of the challenges faced by the traditional peer review system. By automating routine tasks, improving the matching of reviewers and manuscripts, and providing objective assessments, AI can enhance the efficiency and fairness of peer review. However, it is essential to address the ethical concerns and ensure transparency in AI decision-making. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the potential to transform peer review, making it more efficient, equitable, and reliable.
The integration of AI and ML into peer review is not just a technological upgrade but a fundamental shift in how we approach scholarly communication. By harnessing the power of AI, we can build a more robust and inclusive peer review system that upholds the highest standards of academic integrity.
References
Kousha K, Thelwall M. Artificial intelligence to support publishing and peer review: A summary and review. Learned Publishing. 2024 Jan;37(1):4-12.
Checco A, Bracciale L, Loreti P, Pinfield S, Bianchi G. AI-assisted peer review. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. 2021 Jan 25;8(1):1-1.
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How AI is redefining content creation in pharma — And why humans are still the drivers of trust
by Turacoz | May 20, 2025 | Medical Writing, Medical Devices
In an era where speed, efficiency, and personalization have become imperatives, Artificial Intelligence (AI) — particularly machine learning, AI algorithms, and generative AI — is revolutionizing how the pharmaceutical industry approaches content creation. From automating reference linking to generating first drafts, AI is making content smarter, faster, and more scalable.
Yet, amidst this digital acceleration, one thing remains clear that human expertise is still the foundation of trust in healthcare communication.
At recent industry events and conferences, thought leaders echoed a common sentiment: AI is a catalyst, not a replacement. The most impactful pharma content today is born from a powerful synergy between AI and human intelligence, particularly when applied across disciplines such as data analysis, pharmacovigilance, clinical trials, and drug development.
The power of AI in pharma content creation
AI has significantly shortened the timeline of content development. By automating routine tasks like data architecture, extraction, summarization, and even modular content creation, AI enables teams to focus on higher-value activities. Some of the key advantages include:
Speed and efficiency: Drafting scientific summaries, creating modular content blocks, and auto-tagging assets for reuse — AI can perform these tasks in minutes, which previously took days.
Compliance and consistency: AI can cross-reference regulatory guidelines and validate claims faster, ensuring fewer errors and a higher level of consistency across materials.
Personalization at scale: Machine learning and AI algorithms help in tailoring content to specific audiences, ensuring that messaging is relevant, targeted, and timely – particularly in fields like personalized medicine and patient care.
The impact is undeniable. Pharma companies are no longer just creating more content — they are creating better content, delivered at the right time, to the right audience.
Why humans remain at the heart of trusted communications
Yet, even as AI transforms the operational side of content creation, human oversight remains indispensable for several reasons:
Contextual accuracy and nuance
Medical communication is not just about relaying information — it’s about conveying it with precision, empathy, and context. AI can process data, but only humans can interpret complex medical nuances, drug discovery insights, and cultural considerations that shape the right narrative.
Ethical and regulatory oversight
In the field of regulatory pharmalike pharmacovigilance and clinical trials, accuracy and ethics are non-negotiable. While AI can check references, it cannot assure about the ethical gray areas – a responsibility that remains with human experts.
Building emotional connection
Trust in healthcare communications is deeply emotional. Physicians, patients, and stakeholders seek authenticity and human connection – something machines like large language models cannot replicate. Skilled writers infuse compassion, clarity, and credibility into every piece of content, building the trust that AI alone cannot establish.
Innovation and strategic thinking
AI can optimize existing processes but cannot create disruptive strategies. Human creativity is still essential in commercial areas like customer engagement, content marketing, and long-term drug development strategies.
The future is Human + Machine, Not Human vs Machine
The future of pharma content creation lies in collaboration, not competition. AI — whether used in pharma AI tools, generative AI, or data analysis pipelines — should be seen as a powerful tool that augments human potential. When medical writers, regulatory experts, and creative strategists partner with AI, the result is content that is faster, smarter, and — most importantly — trusted.
At Turacoz, we believe that technology is only as powerful as the people who wield it. By combining the scalability of AI with the critical thinking, empathy, and expertise of humans, we help our clients craft communications that build lasting trust with healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Final thoughts
AI is redefining the way content is created in pharma, making processes smarter, faster, and more scalable — especially with advancements in AI algorithms, data architecture, and personalized medicine. But even the most sophisticated AI cannot replace the human touch that drives trust, credibility, and connection in healthcare communications.
As we embrace this exciting new era, the winning formula is clear: leverage the best of AI innovation, anchored by the irreplaceable value of human expertise.
Ready to elevate your content strategy with the perfect blend of human insight and AI innovation? Connect with Turacoz today.
Turacoz Group
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World Thalassemia Day 2025: Giving a Voice to the Global Patient Community
by Turacoz | May 15, 2025 | Medical Devices, Medical Writing
Every 8 May, World Thalassemia Day shines an international spotlight on the millions of people living with this inherited genetic disorder. The 2025 theme – “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients” – captures the day’s core mission: to centre the patient, safeguard their rights, and ensure they are heard in every conversation about diagnosis, care, and cure.
Why patient voices matter
Thalassemia is more than severe anaemia or the frequent blood transfusions keep patient alive. It also means coping with fatigue, recurrent infections, painful splenomegaly, and the anxiety of waiting for a suitable bone marrow transplant. When patients share these everyday realities, they transform abstract epidemiology into human stories that resonate with policy‑makers, clinicians, and the public. Listening to patient experiences helps researchers design therapies that protect quality of life, not just haemoglobin levels, and reminds health systems that compassionate, patient‑centred care is a clinical imperative, not a luxury.
Awareness breeds early detection – and equity
World Thalassemia Day is the year’s biggest megaphone for public awareness. Broad campaigns that explain the difference between alpha and beta thalassemia, the role of genetic mutations, and the importance of early genetic counselling empower families to seek screening before the birth of an affected child. Awareness also normalises lifelong treatment – from iron‑chelation to emerging gene therapies – helping communities overcome stigma and misinformation. Crucially, it spotlights the wide gap in access to care between well‑resourced urban centres and low‑income regions where health inequalities still dictate life expectancy.
Patient advocacy: From individual struggle to collective power
Grass‑roots organisations turn individual stories into collective action. Their advocacy has expanded newborn screening programmes, secured government subsidies for transfusion supplies, and pressured insurers to cover expensive iron‑chelators. By partnering with scientific bodies, advocates elevate patient priorities on the global research agenda – accelerating healthcare innovation such as CRISPR‑based gene editing. This year’s theme urges deeper community engagement so local groups in Africa, South‑East Asia, and the Middle East can exchange strategies and unite around shared goals.
Public health policies that put patients first
No amount of patient courage can replace political will. World Thalassemia Day provides a rallying point for drafting evidence‑based public health and healthcare policies that guarantee timely transfusions, safe blood donation networks, and affordable chelation therapy. Advocates are calling for national guidelines that enshrine healthcare equality, fund specialised thalassemia centres, and subsidise cutting‑edge cures so that ability to pay never determines access to quality healthcare. Governments are also urged to adopt preventive measures—premarital carrier testing, public education on consanguinity risks, and school‑based disease prevention programmes—to curb the financial and emotional burden on future generations.
Donate blood – A single unit sustains a child with thalassemia for weeks.
Champion prevention – Encourage friends to seek carrier testing and pre‑marital genetic counselling.
Amplify stories – Share patient videos or blog posts on social media to shift the narrative from statistics to lived reality.
Support research funds – Philanthropy accelerates clinical trials for curative therapies and less invasive treatments.
Engage politicians – Write to representatives about the need for robust, patient‑friendly thalassemia legislation.
Looking ahead
World Thalassemia Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a movement that refuses to let patients be passive recipients of care. By elevating their voices, the global community can drive healthcare access, reduce the financial burden of lifelong therapy, and ultimately fulfil the promise that no child will be barred from a healthy future because of an inherited blood disorder.
On this 8 May, Turacoz calls for the community support, systemic change, and truly person‑centred care reverberates far beyond a single day—until every patient, everywhere, is not just surviving, but thriving.
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Decoding Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: Communicating the Silent Signs
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most challenging gynaecologic malignancies, often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its subtle onset and late-stage diagnosis.1 In 2022, 324,603 women worldwide were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. By 2050, the annual incidence is projected to rise to nearly half a million, representing a 55% increase compared to current levels.² With over 200,000 lives lost globally in 2020, this disease continues to be a significant public health concern.3 The prognosis of ovarian cancer remains disappointing, with a mere 46% of women surviving beyond 5 years after diagnosis.3 Its ability to progress without clear early symptoms makes it particularly dangerous, but early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. A powerful ally in this effort—often underrecognized—is effective medical communication.
Why Early Detection Makes All the Difference
The statistics speak for themselves. Ovarian cancer that remains localized to the ovaries (stage I) has the potential to be effectively treated in as many as 90% of patients, whereas malignancy limited to the pelvic region (Stage II) correlates with a 5-year survival rate of 70%. Conversely, neoplastic disease that has disseminated beyond the confines of the pelvis (stage III-IV) exhibits a long-term survival probability of 20% or lower.4 This stark difference underscores the importance of timely diagnosis.
From a patient’s perspective, early detection can mean a less aggressive treatment course. In some cases, surgery alone may suffice, avoiding the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy.5 For younger women, early intervention also opens the door to fertility-preserving options.6
From a provider’s standpoint, diagnosing the disease at an early stage facilitates more personalized care, reduces treatment complications, shortens hospital stays, and ultimately improves the quality of life for patients. Additionally, early-stage management is often more cost-effective and resource-efficient, which benefits the healthcare system as a whole.
The Challenge: Recognizing the Subtle Symptoms
One of the biggest hurdles in ovarian cancer care is identifying it early. The symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for common digestive or urinary issues. But when these signs occur frequently—12 or more times a month—they shouldn’t be ignored.7
Watch out for:
Bloating or a swollen tummy
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
Needing to urinate more often or urgently
Additional symptoms may include indigestion, unintentional weight loss, changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea), back pain, fatigue, and postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.7 Although these symptoms may be dismissed as minor or attributed to other causes, persistent occurrence warrants medical evaluation.
Who’s at Greater Risk?
Several risk factors further increase susceptibility, such as:8
Being over 50, particularly post-menopausal
Having BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
A history of endometriosis
Never having been pregnant
Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy
Obesity
In individuals with these risk factors, proactive monitoring and timely screening become even more critical.
How is Ovarian Cancer Detected Early?
Unfortunately, there is no universally recommended screening test for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women at average risk. However, several biomarkers and imaging tools are used—especially in high-risk individuals or when symptoms are present.
Key biomarkers encompass elevated levels of CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125) and HE4 (Human Epididymis Protein). Diagnostic modalities like Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) integrates CA-125, HE4, and menopausal status to generate a risk score for malignancy, thereby facilitating the early detection of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, OVA1 test, a multivariate index assay, evaluates multiple protein levels in the blood to determine the risk of ovarian cancer in women presenting with an ovarian mass.8
There exist specific imaging tools that contribute to the early detection of ovarian cancer. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is instrumental in visualizing the ovaries and identifying abnormalities, such as masses or cysts, while pelvic MRI or CT scan may further assist in evaluation when ultrasound findings lack clarity.8
In women with familial predisposition to breast or ovarian cancer, genetic testing is crucial for the identification of BRCA1/2 mutations and other hereditary cancer syndromes linked to ovarian cancer. Understanding one’s genetic risk facilitates the implementation of preventive measures, including enhanced surveillance or prophylactic surgical interventions.8
Where Medical Communication Comes In?
While awareness of symptoms and risk factors is essential, medical communication serves as the cornerstone in bridging knowledge and action. Its role is multifaceted, benefitting both patients and healthcare providers.
Empowering Patients Through Education: When patients understand early signs of ovarian cancer, they’re more likely to seek care promptly. Campaigns like the CDC’s Inside Knowledge show that clear, accessible information leads to earlier recognition and action.9
Facilitating Early Diagnosis: Empathetic, attentive dialogue from healthcare providers encourages patients to report unusual symptoms, building trust and enabling earlier detection.
Enabling Shared Decision-Making: Clear, compassionate communication helps patients understand their diagnosis, explore treatment options, and actively participate in their care—improving both outcomes and satisfaction.
Overcoming Communication Barriers: Poor communication can delay diagnosis. Culturally sensitive, respectful interactions make patients feel safe, heard, and more likely to engage in their care.
Enhancing Screening and Prevention: Regular discussions about risk, symptoms, and family history motivate patients to adopt preventive behaviours and pursue early screening—critical for early-stage detection.
The Role of Medical Communication Agencies
At every stage—from raising awareness to supporting diagnosis, treatment decisions, and prevention—medical communication agencies act as strategic partners in improving outcomes. By transforming complex medical information into patient-friendly content, developing provider training tools, and designing culturally sensitive campaigns, these agencies ensure that critical health messages resonate. Their expertise in crafting clear, compassionate, and actionable communication bridges the gap between medical knowledge and patient engagement, ultimately driving earlier detection and better care experiences across the board.
Conclusion
Ovarian cancer remains challenging due to its silent onset and rapid progression, but early detection can shift outcomes dramatically. Medical communication is not just supportive—it’s a strategic enabler, driving awareness, encouraging timely symptom reporting, and building trust between patients and providers. As diagnostics advance, the impact of clear, compassionate communication remains vital in bridging the gap between symptom onset and timely intervention.
Turacoz specializes in in transforming complex medical information into clear, actionable content that supports both patients and healthcare providers. From developing symptom awareness tools to creating dialogue aids and educational campaigns, we enable early recognition, informed decision-making, and timely action. With expertise in oncology communication, we craft materials that foster trust, encourage preventive behaviour, and enhance patient-provider conversations—ultimately contributing to earlier detection and improved outcomes in ovarian cancer care.
References
Feeney L, et al. Liquid biopsy in ovarian cancer: Catching the silent killer before it strikes. World J Clin Oncol. 2020;11(11):868-889.
World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Available at: https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Global-Priority.pdf. Last accessed: May 2025.
Wang M, Bi Y, Jin Y, and Zheng ZJ. Global Incidence of Ovarian Cancer According to Histologic Subtype: A Population-Based Cancer Registry Study. JCO Glob Oncol. 2024;10:e2300393.
Elias KM, Guo J, and Bast RC Jr. Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2018;32(6):903-914.
Fishman DA and Bozorgi K. The scientific basis of early detection of epithelial ovarian cancer: the National Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program (NOCEDP). Cancer Treat Res. 2002;107:3-28.
Kim SY and Lee JR. Fertility preservation option in young women with ovarian cancer. Future Oncol. 2016 Jul;12(14):1695-8.
Ovarian cancer. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms/. Last accessed: May 2025.
Fernandes B. A Review on Emerging Biomarkers for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer. Ind J Pharm Pract. 2024;17(1):17–20.
Cooper CP, Polonec L, and Gelb CA. Women’s knowledge and awareness of gynecologic cancer: a multisite qualitative study in the United States. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011;20(4):517-524.
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4 Ways in Which HEOR is Transforming Healthcare with RWE
4 Ways in Which HEOR is Transforming Healthcare with RWE
by Turacoz | Medical Publishing, Medical Writing
The healthcare landscape is being reshaped at an unprecedented pace, powered by sophisticated data analytics, emerging technologies, and the escalating demand for real-world evidence (RWE). At the heart of this shift, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) harnesses RWE to sharpen clinical decision-making, tailor treatment pathways, and elevate patient care. By embedding authentic, real-world insights into healthcare systems, HEOR is not just adapting to change — it is redefining the future of medical practice. Here’s how:
Accelerating drug approval and access through real-world data
Bringing a new drug to market is a complex and highly scrutinized process. Traditional clinical trials, while essential, often have limitations, such as strict patient selection criteria that may not fully represent real-world populations. HEOR bridges this gap by utilizing RWE to offer a more comprehensive understanding of a drug’s effectiveness and safety across diverse patient groups.
For example, post-marketing RWE studies have been instrumental in demonstrating the long-term efficacy and safety of cancer drugs, helping pharmaceutical companies negotiate with regulators and payers for broader market access.1 By analyzing patient outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, and adherence patterns in real-world settings, HEOR strengthens the case for reimbursement and pricing strategies, ensuring that innovative treatments reach those who need them most.
Driving value-based care and smarter reimbursement models
The shift from volume-based to value-based healthcare means that reimbursement is increasingly tied to patient outcomes rather than the quantity of services provided. HEOR, supported by RWE, plays a crucial role in assessing the cost-effectiveness and clinical benefits of medical interventions, leading to the adoption of value-based pricing models.
Payers and policymakers rely on HEOR data from sources like electronic health records (EHRs), insurance claims, and patient registries to determine whether treatments justify their costs. For instance, RWE analyses of diabetes treatments have influenced insurance providers to support outcome-based contracts, where reimbursement is tied to patient improvements rather than fixed pricing.2 This approach ensures that high-value treatments are rewarded, reducing inefficiencies and unnecessary healthcare spending.
Personalizing care with precision insights from RWE
One of the most significant advances in modern medicine is the move toward personalized healthcare. HEOR, powered by RWE, helps identify patient subgroups that benefit most from specific treatments, enabling more targeted and individualized care strategies.
For example, RWE-driven HEOR studies have shown that certain genetic markers can predict a patient’s response to targeted cancer therapies, allowing oncologists to tailor treatment plans accordingly.3 This precision approach minimizes trial-and-error prescribing, reduces adverse events, and improves overall healthcare resource allocation. By aligning therapies with real-world patient data, HEOR enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of medical interventions, leading to better patient outcomes.
Shaping public health strategies and improving population outcomes
Beyond individual care, HEOR and RWE provide essential insights for population health management and policy formulation. Governments and healthcare providers use this data to craft targeted interventions, address disparities, and respond to public health emergencies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HEOR-supported RWE helped evaluate vaccine efficacy across varied populations, guiding immunization strategies worldwide.4 With data-driven policymaking, healthcare systems can allocate resources more effectively and improve health outcomes on a broader scale.
Conclusion
At Turacoz, we aim to integrate HEOR and RWE is revolutionizing healthcare by delivering actionable insights that enhance drug development, refine reimbursement models, personalize treatment approaches, and inform public health strategies. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of HEOR in leveraging real-world data will only grow, fostering a more efficient, evidence-driven, and patient-centered healthcare system.
With stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum embracing these advancements, we are moving toward a future where treatments are not only innovative but also accessible, cost-effective, and tailored to patient needs.
How is HEOR transforming healthcare in your region? Join the conversation.
References:
Dang A. Real-world evidence: a primer. Pharmaceutical medicine. 2023 Jan;37(1):25-36.
Peasah SK, Huang Y, Palli SR, Swart ECS, Donato BMK, Pimple P, et al. Real-world impact of empagliflozin on total cost of care in adults with type 2 diabetes: Results from an outcomes-based agreement. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2023 Feb;29(2):152–60. Available from: Real-world impact of empagliflozin on total cost of care in adults with type 2 diabetes: Results from an outcomes-based agreement
Agarwala V, Khozin S, Singal G, O’Connell C, Kuk D, Li G, et al. Real-world evidence in support of precision medicine: Clinico-genomic cancer data as a case study. Health Aff (Millwood). 2018 May;37(5):765–72. Available from: https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2017.1579
EUPATI. Real-World Data (RWD) & Real-World Evidence (RWE). EUPATI Toolbox. 2025 Feb 19. Available from: Real-World Data (RWD) & Real-World Evidence (RWE) - EUPATI Toolbox
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The Role of HEOR in Payer Decisions to Switch from Originators to Biosimilars
The Role of HEOR in Payer Decisions to Switch from Originators to Biosimilars
by Turacoz | Medical Publishing, Medical Writing
Biosimilars—biologic medicines that are highly similar to FDA-approved originator biologics—offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising clinical efficacy.1,2 Since the first U.S. biosimilar approval in 2015, however, their market adoption has progressed more slowly than expected, despite a steady increase in FDA approvals and their proven safety and effectiveness.3,4 Payers have been cautious in fully embracing biosimilars, even though they are pivotal in reimbursement decisions and prescribing patterns. Understanding the barriers to biosimilar adoption and exploring how Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) can address these challenges is crucial for unlocking the full potential of biosimilars in transforming healthcare access and affordability.
Why Are Payers Hesitant to Adopt Biosimilars?
Several key challenges slow biosimilar adoption among payers:4
Lack of confidence in interchangeability: Payers often demand robust safety and efficacy data to feel comfortable substituting originators with biosimilars
Limited financial incentives: Without clear cost savings or reimbursement benefits, payers may not prioritize biosimilar uptake
Administrative burdens: Complex approval processes involved in switching the treatments can deter payers from encouraging biosimilar use
These concerns have created a cautious environment, slowing down the transition from originator biologics to biosimilars. This is where HEOR plays a pivotal role by generating comprehensive evidence that addresses payer concerns through cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA), budget impact models (BIMs), and real-world evidence (RWE).
How HEOR Supports Biosimilar Adoption
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA)
The value of biosimilars, in comparison to originator biologics, can be assessed through CEA, which considers both their lower costs and comparable clinical efficacy.
For instance, CEA conducted in Canada for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer found that the biosimilars MVASI® and Zirabev® offered annual cost savings of €6379 compared to the originator drug, Avastin, without compromising survival outcomes. The study also supported the initial policy decision to mandate using bevacizumab biosimilars over the originator formulation. This approach helped reduce budget allocation toward bevacizumab and facilitated more efficient resource allocation while maintaining effective care.5 These savings highlight the potential for biosimilars to reduce healthcare expenditures without compromising patient outcomes.
Budget Impact Models (BIMs)
While CEAs assess value, BIMs estimate the actual financial consequences of adopting biosimilars on healthcare systems. BIMs help payers understand potential cost savings and resource allocation implications, which are critical for reimbursement decisions.
The practical impact of BIMs is evident in several European countries. The introduction of biosimilar adalimumab and tocilizumab across seven European nations—including the UK, Germany, and France—was projected to yield cumulative savings of €462 million and enable treatment for an additional 65,593 patients.6 Similarly, a U.S. study on biosimilar adalimumab showed that faster conversion rates from originator to biosimilar led to greater savings, with cumulative savings reaching $28.8 million in a fast-conversion scenario.7 This demonstrates that not only the decision to adopt biosimilars but also the speed of adoption impacts financial outcomes.
Real-World Evidence (RWE)
By leveraging RWE, researchers can better understand the clinical effectiveness and safety of biosimilars outside the structured environment of clinical trials. This data is crucial in building payer confidence by demonstrating that biosimilars perform similarly to originators in everyday clinical practice.
For instance, a real-world population-based study in British Columbia found no significant differences in healthcare resource utilization or clinical outcomes between biosimilar and originator etanercept users.8 This evidence helped underpin the province’s biosimilar switching policy. This policy dramatically increased biosimilar prescriptions: etanercept and infliximab biosimilar use rose by 76.98% and 58.43%, respectively. The switch generated substantial cost savings and improved patient access to biologic therapies without compromising safety or efficacy.9
How HEOR Influences Payer Decisions
HEOR evidence directly informs payer strategies in several ways:
Practical Influence
Cost Savings: Payers are motivated by the potential for significant cost reductions. For example, EU-5 markets saved €303.86 million with biosimilar rituximab.10 These savings can be reinvested to expand patient access or improve healthcare services.
Reimbursement Policies: HEOR informs the design of reimbursement frameworks, including price discounts, tendering processes, and mandatory switching policies. Countries like the UK and Germany have successfully implemented these strategies, which have been instrumental in driving biosimilar uptake.11,12
Theoretical Influence
Value-Based Healthcare: HEOR aligns with value-based healthcare principles by prioritizing interventions that deliver optimal outcomes at the lowest cost. Biosimilars exemplify this approach by reducing treatment costs without compromising quality.13
Policy Formation: Policymakers use HEOR findings to shape regulations encouraging biosimilar use. British Columbia’s biosimilar switching policy is a prime example, where evidence-based policy led to increased biosimilar uptake and substantial cost savings.9
Conclusion
In conclusion, as the healthcare system faces mounting pressures to deliver high-quality care while managing costs, adopting biosimilars stands out as a compelling opportunity that cannot be ignored. The collaborative efforts of regulators, payers, and providers, guided by robust HEOR evidence, are key to ensuring that the transition from originators to biosimilars is clinically sound and economically advantageous. HEOR has provided clear insights into cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and real-world performance, enabling payers to make informed decisions, optimize reimbursement strategies, and contribute to forward-thinking policy development. Ultimately, HEOR’s role in biosimilar adoption is not just supportive but transformative, paving the way for a more sustainable and accessible healthcare future.
References:
Yang J, et al. Greater uptake, an alternative reimbursement methodology needed to realize cost-saving potential of oncology biosimilars in the United States. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2021;27(12):1642-1651.
Mroczek DK, et al. Obstacles to Biosimilar Acceptance and Uptake in Oncology: A Review. JAMA Oncol. 2024;10(7):966-972.
Shubow S, et al. Prescriber Perspectives on Biosimilar Adoption and Potential Role of Clinical Pharmacology: A Workshop Summary. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2023;113(1):37-49.
Edgar BS, et al. Overcoming barriers to biosimilar adoption: real-world perspectives from a national payer and provider initiative. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2021;27(8):1129-1135.
Lu B, et al. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Bevacizumab Biosimilars Versus Originator Bevacizumab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Comparative Study Using Real-World Data. Value Health. 2024;27(12):1689-1697.
Shastri K, et al. AB1428 Adalimumab and Tocilizumab Biosimilars in Europe: Budget-impact and Opportunity for Expanded Patient Access. Ann Rheum Dis. 2024;83:2069-70.
Chaplin S, et al. Budget impact analysis of including biosimilar adalimumab on formulary: A United States payer perspective. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2024;30(11):1226-1238.
Lacaille D, et al. POS0874 Comparable Safety and Effectiveness Among New Users of Biosimilar vs Originator Anti-NFTs in Inflammatory Arthritis: Population-based Evidence From a Policy Change. Ann Rheum Dis.;83:595-6.
McClean AR, et al. Uptake and Spending on Biosimilar Infliximab and Etanercept After New Start and Switching Policies in Canada: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023;75(9):2011-2021.
Jang M, Simoens S, and Kwon T. Budget Impact Analysis of the Introduction of Rituximab and Trastuzumab Intravenous Biosimilars to EU-5 Markets. BioDrugs. 2021;35(1):89-101.
Zhang W, et al.
Machado S, et al. Policy measures and instruments used in European countries to increase biosimilar uptake: a systematic review. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1263472.
Chen HH, Yemeke T, and Ozawa S. Reduction of biologic pricing following biosimilar introduction: Analysis across 57 countries and regions, 2012-19. PLoS One. 2024;19(6):e0304851.
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Title: Traditional vs Circular Content Supply Chain
Short Description: This visual compares the linear approach of traditional content supply chains with the feedback-driven loop of circular content supply chains. While the traditional model ends at deployment, the circular model incorporates continuous feedback and insights to refine ideation, ensuring content remains relevant, agile, and data-informed.
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Content’s Industrial Revolution: Shaping the Future of Pharma
by Turacoz | Medical Publishing, Medical Writing
Communications
In a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, the pharmaceutical industry’s relationship with content is undergoing a seismic shift. At the recent Reuters Pharma event in Barcelona, Dr. Namrata, Founder of Turacoz, led a thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘Content’s Industrial Revolution’. The dialogue explored how content in pharma is undergoing a transformation driven by technology, collaboration, and an evolving mindset.
This transformation isn’t just about producing more content – it’s about producing smarter content that is personalized, compliant, and delivered at speed and scale. Here are the key takeaways that highlight how pharma companies can adapt to this revolution.
From linear to circular: Rethinking the content supply chain
Traditionally, the content supply chain in pharma has been linear – ideation, creation, review, and deployment. But the industry is waking up to a powerful realization: a circular content supply chain is the way forward. This means insights from content consumption must loop back into content creation.
It’s about listening, learning, and evolving continuously. When feedback and performance metrics inform the next content iteration, the result is more relevant, targeted, and effective communication.
Upfront partnerships: Shifting left in the review process
Another game-changing approach discussed in the panel was the concept of “shifting left” – engaging reviewers early in the content lifecycle. Instead of waiting until the end of the process for medical, legal, and regulatory (MLR) reviews, involving them upfront leads to fewer iterations and a higher rate of getting content right the first time. “Involving reviewers early and leveraging AI is no longer optional—it’s the only way to create content that’s both fast and flawless,” noted Dr. Namrata during the panel. This proactive alignment improves efficiency, saves time, and ensures clarity from the start.
AI and GenAI in Action: Smarter, Faster, Compliant
Nearly 80% of pharma companies are now embedding AI into their content workflows.1 The path forward lies in industrialization—standardizing content processes to eliminate duplication and reduce costs. This includes:
Tiered review systems based on content similarity
Modular content structures for reuse and recycling
AI-led automation for reference linking and claims validation
These innovations reduce manual effort and error, speed up reviews and improve compliance and traceability.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: Sustainable content practices
Content sustainability is now a business imperative. Strategies like modular content creation, centralized digital libraries, and approved content recycling help reduce production time and content fatigue—while ensuring consistency across global teams.
Let’s break down what reduce, reuse, and recycle means in the pharma content world:
Reduce Minimize duplication by avoiding the creation of redundant content. Use centralized libraries and templates to streamline creation and approval processes.
Reuse Build modular content blocks that can be repurposed across different channels, regions, and campaigns. One approved module (e.g., a product description) can be reused in emails, websites, and brochures.
Recycle Refresh and repackage existing high-performing content instead of always starting from scratch. This ensures content stays relevant and reduces production time.
These sustainable practices improve efficiency, maintain global consistency, and cut down costs.
Mindset, toolset, and skillset: The three pillars of change
Technology is only part of the equation. To truly embrace this revolution, organizations need the right:
Mindset: Be curious, open to learning, and willing to fail fast
Toolset: Adopt tech that enables agility without sacrificing compliance
Skillset: Invest in training and upskilling teams for the future of content
Internal and external collaboration will be the glue that holds these pillars together ensuring that strategy, execution, and innovation move in sync.
Human + Machine: A balanced equation
While technology is a powerful enabler, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Keeping humans in the loop ensures contextual accuracy, emotional intelligence, and ethical responsibility especially critical in healthcare communications. The goal is to strike the right balance between automation and human oversight.
Final thoughts
As the content landscape shifts from volume to value, pharma companies need to focus on crafting impactful content that resonates with the audience. This means not just doing things faster but doing them better – with clarity, compliance, and compassion.
At Turacoz, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, driving change that empowers our clients to communicate with precision and purpose. The content revolution is here—and we’re ready to lead it.
Ready to transform your content strategy? Connect with Turacoz to explore how we can help you scale smarter.
Reference:
Kudumala A, Konersmann T, Israel A, Miranda W. Biopharma digital transformation: Gain an edge with leapfrog digital innovation. Deloitte Insights. 2021 Dec 8. Available from: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/life-sciences/biopharma-digital-transformation.html
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The Importance of Indexing in Academic Journals
The Importance of Indexing in Academic Journals
by Turacoz | Medical Publishing
In the rapidly evolving academic publishing world, journal indexing plays a pivotal role in determining the visibility, accessibility, and credibility of research. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a novice in the field, understanding the importance of journal indexing is crucial for navigating the publication landscape effectively. This blog explores the significance of journal indexing, the process through which journals are indexed, and the implications of indexing for the visibility and credibility of research.
What is Journal Indexing?
Journal indexing refers to the inclusion of academic journals in a database or directory that categorizes and lists publications based on specific criteria. These databases serve as repositories of scholarly content, making it easier for researchers, academics, and professionals to discover relevant literature in their fields. Common indexing databases include PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
Indexing databases vary in scope and specialization. Some are broad and multidisciplinary, covering a wide range of academic fields, while others are more specialized, focusing on specific disciplines, such as medicine, engineering, or social sciences. The inclusion of a journal in these databases is often seen as a mark of quality and credibility, as indexed journals are subject to rigorous evaluation.
The Significance of Journal Indexing
Enhanced Visibility and Discoverability: One of the primary benefits of journal indexing is its increased visibility of published research. When a journal is indexed in a reputable database, its content becomes more accessible to global audiences. Researchers can easily find articles through keyword searches, leading to a higher likelihood of citations. Increased visibility can have a cascading effect, contributing to the academic impact and recognition of the research.
Credibility and Prestige: Indexing is often associated with credibility and prestige in the academic communities. Journals indexed in well-known databases generally adhere to high standards of quality, peer review, and editorial integrity. This recognition can enhance the reputation of both the journal and the authors who publish in it. Researchers are more likely to submit their work to indexed journals, if they know that they will be taken seriously by peers and evaluators.
Access to a Wider Audience: Indexed journals often have a broader reach, attracting readers from diverse academic backgrounds and institutions. This can lead to more collaborations, discussions, and advancements in the field. Publishing in an indexed journal means that their work is more likely to be read and cited by others, thus contributing to the overall growth of knowledge within their discipline.
Improved Citation Rates: Articles published in indexed journals tend to have higher citation rates than those in non-indexed journals. This is partly due to the ease with which these articles can be found and accessed in databases used by researchers worldwide. Citations are a key metric for assessing the impact and influence of a researcher’s work, making indexing an important factor for academic success.
Compliance with Institutional and Funder Requirements: Many academic institutions and funding agencies require researchers to publish in indexed journals for career advancement, grant approval, or research funding. Indexing serves as a form of validation, ensuring that the research meets the established standards of quality and rigor. Researchers can fulfil these requirements and enhance their professional credentials by publishing in indexed journals.
How Do Journals Get Indexed?
The process of getting a journal indexed is rigorous and involves several steps. Indexing databases have specific criteria that journals must meet for inclusion. While these criteria may vary depending on the database, some common factors include the following:
Peer Review Process: One of the most critical aspects of journal indexing is the resilient peer review process. Indexing databases prioritize journals that demonstrate a commitment to thorough, unbiased, and transparent peer review, ensuring the quality and reliability of published research.
Editorial Quality: The overall quality of the editorial process, including the qualifications and expertise of the editorial board, plays a significant role in determining whether a journal is indexed. Journals with reputable editors, who are experts in their fields, are more likely to be indexed.
Publication Ethics: Adherence to ethical publishing practices is essential for indexing. Journals must demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards, including conflicts of interest policies, proper attribution of authorship, and transparency in the publication process. Journals that engage in unethical practices, such as predatory publishing, are unlikely to be indexed.
Timeliness and Regularity: Indexing databases prefer journals that publish regularly and on time. Consistency in publication frequency and the timely release of issues are important indicators of a journal’s reliability and professionalism.
Originality and Relevance: The content published in a journal must be original, relevant, and contribute to the advancement of the field. Indexing databases assess the significance and impact of the research published in the journal as well as their relevance to the academic community.
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): An ISSN is a basic indexing requirement. The ISSN serves as a unique identifier for the journal, helping databases categorize and track it accurately.
Citations and Impact Factor: Some indexing databases consider a journal’s citation metrics, such as its impact factor, when making indexing decisions. Journals with higher citation rates and impact factors are more likely to be indexed as they demonstrate the journal’s influence and importance in its field.
Read More: The Future of Academic Publishing: Trends and Predictions
The Impact of Indexing on Research Visibility and Credibility
Journal indexing has a direct impact on research visibility and credibility. When a journal is indexed, it gains a wider audience and becomes more accessible to researchers worldwide. This increased visibility can lead to higher citation rates, thereby enhancing the academic impact of research.
Moreover, indexing serves as a mark of quality and reliability, signalling to the academic community that the journal adheres to high standards of peer review, editorial integrity, and ethical publishing practices. Consequently, research published in indexed journals is often viewed as more credible and trustworthy.
Publishing in indexed journals can significantly boost their professional reputation and career prospects. Indexed publications are often considered more prestigious and given greater weight in academic evaluations, tenure decisions, and funding applications.
In the competitive landscape of academic publishing, journal indexing plays a crucial role in determining the visibility, accessibility, and credibility of research. By understanding the significance of indexing and the process by which journals are indexed, researchers can make informed decisions about where to publish their work.
At Turacoz, we understand the importance of targeting the right journals for research purposes. We employ indexing databases to identify the most suitable journals for your work, ensuring that research reaches the widest possible audience and achieves the recognition it deserves. Whether you are looking to publish in a highly specialized journal or a multidisciplinary platform, our expert medical writers help in journal selection and navigate the complexities of academic publishing with confidence. For more information, visit www.turacoz.com to discover how proper journal indexing can enhance your research visibility and impact.
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Bridging the Gap: How to Write User-Friendly Medical Content
Bridging the Gap: How to Write User-Friendly Medical Content
by Turacoz | Medical Writing, Medical Publishing
Are you finding it challenging to make your medical communications clear and engaging?
Navigating the world of medical content can sometimes feel like deciphering a foreign language, even for seasoned professionals. The goal of this blog is to help you create content that is clear, engaging, and most importantly, user-friendly. Let’s dive into some tips to help you communicate more effectively with your audience, whether they are healthcare professionals or patients.
Know Your Audience
First and foremost, understanding your audience is crucial. Are you writing for healthcare professionals (HCPs) or patients?
The language and level of detail you use will differ greatly. For HCPs, you can use more technical terms and delve into complex details. For patients, however, it is essential to use plain language and avoid jargon. Always keep in mind who you are speaking to and tailor your message accordingly.
Clarity is Key
Medical information can be complex, but your job is to make it as clear as possible. Use simple, straightforward language, and avoid long, convoluted sentences. Break down complex ideas into manageable chunks. Remember, the clearer your content, the easier it will be for your audience to understand and retain the information.
Engage with Stories and Analogies
People love stories. They make information more relatable and memorable. Use real-life examples, patient stories, or analogies to explain complex medical concepts. For instance, describing the immune system as a “security system” that protects the body from intruders can make the concept more accessible to a layperson.
Read More: How to Write Medical Content That Ranks on Search Engines?
Use Visual Aids
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in medical communications. Diagrams, infographics, and videos can help illustrate your points and make your content more engaging. Visual aids are particularly helpful when explaining procedures, anatomy, or the effects of certain medications. Just make sure that your visuals are clear and accurately represent the information you are conveying.
Make It Interactive
Interactive content can greatly enhance user engagement. Consider incorporating quizzes, interactive diagrams, or clickable links that provide additional information. Interactive elements can help reinforce learning and keep your audience engaged. For example, a quiz at the end of an article about diabetes management could help patients assess their understanding and encourage them to learn more.
Keep It Crisp
In today’s fast-paced world, attention spans are short. Keep your content concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary fluff, and focus on delivering valuable information. Bullet points, numbered lists, and short paragraphs can help break up the text and make it more digestible.
Provide Clear Calls to Action
Whether you want your readers to schedule an appointment, read more about a condition, or follow a treatment plan, make sure your calls to action are clear and easy to follow. Use direct language and provide easy-to-follow instructions. For example, “Click here to book your appointment” is more effective than a vague “Learn more.”
Be Empathetic and Supportive
Empathy goes a long way in medical communications. Acknowledge the emotional and physical challenges your audience may be facing, and offer support and encouragement. Use a friendly and reassuring tone. For example, instead of saying, “You must take your medication daily,” try, “Taking your medication daily can help you feel better and stay healthy. We’re here to support you every step of the way.”
Seek Feedback and Improve
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Whether through surveys, comment sections, or direct conversations, gather insights from your audience about what works and what doesn’t. Use this feedback to continuously improve your content and better meet the needs of your readers.
In conclusion, making your medical content user-friendly is all about clarity, engagement, and empathy. By knowing your audience, using simple language, incorporating visuals, and being supportive, you can create content that truly resonates with your readers.
Happy writing!
For more information or assistance, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
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Patient Voices Matter: How Patient-reported Outcomes Are Redefining Market Access
Patient Voices Matter: How Patient-reported Outcomes Are Redefining Market Access
by Turacoz | Medical Devices, Medical Publishing, Medical Writing
The healthcare industry is experiencing a paradigm shift as patient voices take center stage in drug development and approval processes. While clinical trial data continues to be the cornerstone of drug development and approval, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are emerging as the gold standard for demonstrating real-world value, particularly when it comes to market access approvals offering valuable insights into the patient experience and treatment impact. As healthcare systems worldwide shift toward value-based care, PROs are getting more and more widely used in clinical trials and approval processes. For example, the proportion of industry-sponsored oncology trials including PROs assessments rose from 26% (2007–2013) to 75% (2014–2018).1 This increased integration of PROs into clinical trials and regulatory submissions reflects a growing acknowledgment of their value in evaluating therapies from the patient’s perspective.
The Evolution of Healthcare Metrics
Historically, drug approvals focused primarily on “hard” clinical endpoints, while these metrics remain important, they tell only part of the story, and do not completely capture the picture of quality of life (QoL) or daily functioning. PROs that reflect the patient’s direct perspective on their symptoms, functional status, and overall well-being capture this crucial dimension that clinical data alone cannot measure complementing the traditional clinical outcomes. This holistic view of treatment effects is particularly important for chronic and debilitating conditions, where symptom burden and QoL are critical determinants of treatment success.2,3
Regulatory Recognition
Regulatory bodies worldwide have recognized this gap and are increasingly demanding PRO data as part of approval submissions:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)1 has established Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) to encourages patient participation in R&D decision-making process with an aim to develop a drug which better meets the patients’ needs. PROs were included in FDA’s 53% of medical device authorizations.4
The EMA’s regulatory guidance explicitly recommends PROs inclusion for many therapeutic areas. For example, 78.1% of oncology approvals by EMA included PROs.5
Health technology assessment (HTA) bodies and reimbursement agencies are leveraging PROs to evaluate the value of treatments in real-world settings. This trend is supported by studies showing that PROs can identify low-value care and inform cost-effectiveness analyses, thereby optimizing resource allocation in healthcare systems.6
The increasing integration of PROs into regulatory submissions underlines their significance in demonstrating treatment benefits from a patient perspective.
The Market Access Imperative
For pharmaceutical companies PRO data is becoming essential for market access success. Here’s why:
Differentiation in Crowded Markets
PRO data can help to distinguish therapies, especially in oncology post-progression scenarios. A study has indicated that positive PRO data such as superior symptom relief, improved physical functioning support continued therapy at the physician’s discretion upon regulatory approval, even in progressive disease.7
Pricing and Reimbursement Leverage
The U.S. healthcare system is shifting from fee-for-service to value-based payment models to enhance patient care quality and control costs. Under the 2015 Medicare Access and Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, providers will be assessed on quality and cost efficiency, affecting their reimbursement rates. PROs play a key role in this transition by offering insights into patient preferences, experiences, and perceptions of benefits and risks. These insights inform pricing, reimbursement, and benefit-risk assessments, ensuring treatments align with patient values. PROs also influence health technology assessments by evaluating the impact of medical technologies on quality of life, guiding more equitable pricing decisions based on what patients value.8,9
Formulary Placement and Treatment Guidelines
Clinical practice guidelines are giving greater weight to PROs evidence when making recommendations. For example, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recommends symptom monitoring using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients with stage IIIB/IV lung cancer who have completed initial or maintenance treatment. Additionally, it also recommends PROMs in survivorship care of patients after treatment of cancer, to improve communication and identify late toxicities, symptoms or functional impairment warranting supportive care.10
Beyond regulatory initiatives, incorporating PROs can increase the “value” of your therapeutic from a payor perspective, ultimately helping formulary placement.11
Advances in Digital Data Collection Have Made Collecting PROs Easy
The advent of digital health technologies has facilitated the collection and analysis of PROs, making them more accessible and actionable. Electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) enable real-time data capture, reducing barriers to implementation and improving the quality of PRO data.6,12 For example, digital platforms are being used to collect PROs in large-scale studies, such as the PROMchronic study in Germany, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ePROMs in improving care for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma.6 Additionally, AI and machine learning help analyze PRO data to identify patterns and insights.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite their growing importance, the use of PROs in market access approvals is not without challenges. Issues such as the lack of standardization, variability in data quality, and the need for robust methodologies remain. However, ongoing research and policy initiatives are addressing these challenges, with a focus on developing validated instruments, improving data collection practices, and integrating PROs into regulatory frameworks.13,14
For example, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has emphasized the need for harmonization of PRO measures to facilitate their use in drug development and regulatory decision-making. Similarly, initiatives like the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) PREFER project are working to establish best practices for incorporating patient preferences into regulatory evaluations.14,15
The Future of PROs in Market Access
The future of PROs in market access approvals is promising, with ongoing advancements in technology, policy, and methodology. As regulators and payers increasingly recognize the value of patient-centered data, PROs are likely to become even more integral to healthcare decision-making. Their ability to capture the patient’s perspective, complement traditional outcomes, and support real-world evidence makes them indispensable in the era of value-based healthcare.16
Conclusion
In conclusion, PROs are becoming the gold standard for market access approvals because they provide a patient-centered perspective, complement traditional clinical outcomes, and support regulatory and reimbursement decisions with real-world evidence. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the integration of PROs into decision-making processes will remain a cornerstone of value-based, patient-centered care.
References
Cao K, et al. From the Formation of Conceptual Framework to Regulatory Decision-Making: Considerations for the Developments of Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2024;18:5759-5771.
Bonsel JM, et al. The use of patient-reported outcome measures to improve patient-related outcomes – a systematic review. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2024;22(1):101.
Jeyaraman N, et al. Voices that matter: The impact of patient-reported outcome measures on clinical decision-making. World J Methodol.2025; 15(2):98066.
Matts ST, et al. Inclusion of patient-reported outcome instruments in US FDA medical device marketing authorizations. J Patient Rep Outcomes. 2022;6(1):38.
Teixeira MM, et al. A review of patient-reported outcomes used for regulatory approval of oncology medicinal products in the European Union between 2017 and 2020. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:968272.
Nikkhah J, et al. Evaluating the Population-Based Usage and Benefit of Digitally Collected Patient-Reported Outcomes and Experiences in Patients With Chronic Diseases: The PROMchronic Study Protocol. JMIR Res Protoc. 2024;13:e56487.
Brogan AP, et al. Payer Perspectives on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Health Care Decision Making: Oncology Examples. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2017;23(2):125-134.
Chachoua L, et al. Use of Patient Preference Information in Benefit-Risk Assessment, Health Technology Assessment, and Pricing and Reimbursement Decisions: A Systematic Literature Review of Attempts and Initiatives. Front Med (Lausanne). 2020;7:543046.
Squitieri L, Bozic KJ, and Pusic AL. The Role of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Value-Based Payment Reform. Value Health. 2017;20(6):834-836.
Di Maio M, et al. The role of patient-reported outcome measures in the continuum of cancer clinical care: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Oncol. 2022;33(9):878-892.
Oderda G, et al. Payer perceptions on the use of patient-reported outcomes in oncology decision making. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2022;28(2):188-195.
Joeris A, et al. Real-world patient data: Can they support decision making and patient engagement?. Injury. 2023;54 Suppl 3:S51-S56.
Almeida D, et al. Leveraging patient experience data to guide medicines development, regulation, access decisions and clinical care in the EU. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1408636.
Janssens R, et al. How can patient preferences be used and communicated in the regulatory evaluation of medicinal products? Findings and recommendations from IMI PREFER and call to action. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1192770.
Ciani O, et al. Patient-reported outcome measures in drugs for neurological conditions approved by European Medicines Agency 2017-2022. Neurol Sci. 2023;44(8):2933-2937.
Adeghe EP, Okolo CA, and Ojeyinka OT. The influence of patient-reported outcome measures on healthcare delivery: A review of methodologies and applications. OARJBP. 2024;10(2):013-21.
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The Way Forward: Combating Liver-related Misinformation with a Strategic Approach
Misinformation about liver health demands a comprehensive and proactive response. This strategy emphasizes prioritizing evidence-based content, leveraging technology to counter disinformation, investing in skilled health writers, fostering transparent discussions between patients and healthcare professionals, and promoting health literacy campaigns in communities. Together, these steps pave the way for a better-informed public and stronger healthcare outcomes.
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Health Journalism: Combating Misinformation with Accuracy
By Turacoz Healthcare Solutions | World Liver Day 2025
In a world where social media dominates wellness discussions, liver health is a popular topic — albeit not always a well-informed one. From miracle cures to detox diets, the liver is the focus of myriad health claims with little scientific basis. On this World Liver Day, we highlight the vital role of health journalism in separating fact from fiction and delivering accurate, science-based information.
Emergence of Misinformation about Liver Health
Digital media have opened health information to everyone—but with such openness comes an influx of unfiltered information. Wellness bloggers, often with little to no medical training, tout liver ‘cleanses’ and ‘superfoods’ without accountability. These messages, though alluring, can mislead consumers, undermine patient education campaigns, and jeopardize liver health.
False information not only causes confusion but also can delay treatment and accurate diagnosis. With early treatment being essential in conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, and cirrhosis, patients are at a loss if discussion centers around misinformation.
The Role of Health Journalism in Public Health
Evidence-based health journalism acts as a link between health practitioners and the general population. Accurate, accessible, and understandable health reporting translates complex medical jargon into clear messages, enhancing health literacy and supporting informed decision-making.
Medical writers and journalists have an obligation to:
Confirm information from evidence-based sources like peer-reviewed journals and clinical practice guidelines.
Work with specialists such as hepatologists, nutritionists, and scientists.
Employ health information management systems to track, interpret, and share accurate data.
Fact-checking in the Social Media era
With misinformation traveling at lightning speed on the internet, fact-checking now forms a bedrock of trustworthy health communication. Using health information technology like automated content verification systems and AI-based surveillance, medical communicators can quickly address misleading claims and disseminate accurate content to the masses.
Agencies, along with journalists, should also predict patterns. Tracking social media discussions enables them to correct misleading reports in a timely fashion and present scientifically correct counter-information.
Empowering Patients Through Education
Correct health information not only educates, it empowers. Liver health education should be centered in useful, actionable information: comprehending liver function, identifying risks, adopting evidence-based dietary practices, and recognizing warning signs that necessitate medical care.
By ensuring that educational resources are synchronized with national health goals and governmental standards, medical communicators contribute effectively to national campaigns promoting liver health.
A Partnership with Health Professionals
Effective health journalism does not exist in a vacuum. It is developed in close collaboration with health professionals, patient advocacy organizations, and public health organizations. Such collaborations help guarantee that information is up to date, applicable, and consistent with clinical best practices.
The way forward
Combating misinformation on matters related to the liver necessitates a multifaceted approach:
In Conclusion
Being a trusted medical communications agency, Turacoz is of the opinion that science-based, accessible, and honest communication is central to improved health outcomes. On this World Liver Day, we reaffirm our values of truth, science, and service—because timely information is a matter of saving people’s lives.
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https://turacoz.com/publication-extenders-our-offerings/
Impact of Publication Extenders on Research Visibility and Influence
This visual highlights the multifaceted benefits of using publication extenders in scientific communication. From bridging the accessibility gap and amplifying engagement, to increasing citation impact and fostering author collaboration, extenders play a pivotal role in enhancing research visibility. They also help in adapting to changing reader preferences and building a competitive edge in scholarly publishing.
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Medical Copy Editing: The Unsung Hero of High-Quality Scientific Writing
In scientific research, precision and clarity are essential for ensuring that valuable findings are accurately communicated to the global scientific community. As researchers delve into complex topics, from medicine to engineering, the role of copy editing becomes critical. While the process of writing a research paper or medical document is intellectually demanding, ensuring that the content is clear, error-free, and accessible often requires an external review. This is where medical copy editing comes into play, improving the quality, readability, and reliability of research outputs.
What is Medical Copy Editing?
Medical copy editing involves reviewing and refining the text of medical or scientific documents to enhance readability, consistency, and accuracy. This process addresses grammar, syntax, punctuation, and style inconsistencies while ensuring that the scientific content remains precise. More than just correcting language errors, medical copy editors ensure that the message is conveyed, free from ambiguity, and in line with the standards required by journals, regulatory bodies, or academic institutions.
Medical copy editing is distinct from developmental editing, which deals with structural issues like content organization. Instead, it focuses on the finer details, ensuring that every word serves a purpose and that the entire document adheres to a consistent style.
Enhancing Clarity and Precision
One of the most significant contributions of medical copy editing is improving clarity. Researchers often use complex language, which can hinder the understanding of key findings. Even within the scientific community, clarity is paramount to ensure research is not misinterpreted or ignored.
A skilled medical copy editor refines technical jargon, ensuring it is understandable to both experts and those new to the field. In doing so, they help avoid potential misinterpretations that can arise from ambiguous phrasing. The copy editor’s objective is to ensure that each sentence communicates the intended meaning without unnecessary complexity or redundancy.
For instance, if a study’s results are described vaguely or using convoluted language, readers might struggle to understand the significance of the findings, while researchers may find it difficult to reproduce the results. By rewording these sentences, a copy editor helps ensure the research is accessible and easy to comprehend, even for non-experts in the field. As research impacts policy decisions, patient care, and future studies, ensuring its clarity is a crucial task for a copy editor.
Consistency in Terminology and Formatting
Medical writing often contains technical terms, specific abbreviations, and references to clinical data. Inconsistent use of terms can lead to confusion, and in the medical context, any confusion can have serious implications. Medical copy editors play a vital role in maintaining consistency throughout the document. Whether it’s ensuring that abbreviations are used correctly and consistently or checking that terminology aligns with current industry standards, the editor’s role ensures the document is coherent.
Furthermore, medical copy editors are responsible for ensuring formatting consistency. Adhering to a journal’s submission guidelines or an organization’s style manual is critical for acceptance and publication. Copy editors meticulously check that headings, subheadings, tables, figures, and citations are uniformly formatted and in line with the required style.
Ensuring Adherence to Style Guides
Different fields of research, journals, and regulatory agencies have specific style and formatting requirements. For example, the American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style is a widely used guide in medical writing. It provides guidelines for writing, grammar, punctuation, and citation formats, among other things.
Medical copy editors ensure that manuscripts adhere to these guidelines. Citations are formatted correctly, the text follows the prescribed writing conventions, and figures or tables comply with the required formats. Adhering to these rules increases the chances of acceptance for publication and ensures that the document meets the highest professional standards.
Improving the Flow and Readability of the Document
The arrangement of content is critical to the success of a research paper. Research papers that are difficult to follow, with disjointed sections or unclear transitions, can frustrate readers and obscure the study’s key points. A medical copy editor facilitates coherent section transitions and logical idea progression.
For example, when moving from the introduction to the methods or results section, a copy editor might suggest restructuring sentences or paragraphs to improve readability. By ensuring that each section connects logically, the editor helps the reader stay engaged with the content and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.
Additionally, copy editors prioritize the manuscript’s logical coherence. To facilitate comprehension, the background, methods, results, and conclusions must be systematically arranged. Occasionally, they may recommend to restructure sections for enhanced logical flow.
Addressing Ethical Concerns
Medical copy editors are also responsible for ensuring that ethical standards are upheld in research writing. They verify that references are properly cited, helping to prevent plagiarism, whether intentional or accidental. In the era of open science and data sharing, ensuring proper attribution is vital.
Moreover, editors review whether patient consent, animal research guidelines, and conflict of interest disclosures are properly addressed in the document. Ethical lapses in research publications can damage reputations and compromise the integrity of the research. Therefore, a copy editor plays a crucial role in maintaining ethical rigor in medical manuscripts.
Accuracy and Fact-Checking
While the primary responsibility for accuracy lies with the authors, medical copy editors also perform fact-checking tasks. They check for inconsistencies in data reporting, review statistical values, and verify that claims are supported by appropriate evidence. This ensures that the research stands up to scrutiny from peer reviewers and readers alike.
Read More: Medical Copy Editing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Edit Your Document
Moreover, medical copy editors review references to ensure relevant, and correctly cited. Accurate references lend credibility to the research, and failing to properly attribute prior work can lead to accusations of plagiarism.
The Role of Technology in Copy Editing
Technological advancements have introduced new tools for copy editing, such as automated grammar checkers and reference management systems. While these tools are valuable for speeding up the editing process, they are not infallible. Medical copy editors use these tools carefully to ensure that the manuscript is polished to a high standard.
For instance, while a grammar checker can catch basic errors, it cannot replace the critical thinking required to ensure a manuscript is logically sound and free from ambiguities. An experienced medical copy editor goes beyond mere error correction, considering the broader context of the manuscript and ensuring that the content aligns with the research’s goals.
Conclusion
Medical copy editing is an indispensable part of the research publication process. It ensures that research papers are clear, consistent, accurate, and ethically sound. By refining the language, improving the flow of ideas, and ensuring adherence to style guides, medical copy editors enhance the overall quality of scientific writing.
At Turacoz, we specialize in Medical Copy Editing to ensure research manuscripts, clinical documents, and medical reports meet the highest standards of clarity and accuracy. Our expert editors enhance readability, correct errors, and ensure compliance with style and ethical guidelines. By refining scientific content, we help researchers present their findings effectively, increasing the chances of successful publication. We believe quality research deserves precise communication, and our editing services are tailored to achieve that.
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A Complete Guide to Medical Communication Services
This visual guide outlines the key domains of medical communication that support healthcare stakeholders in delivering clear, accurate, and impactful information. From scholarly writing and systematic reviews to grant proposals and digital health content, each segment highlights a critical service area. The guide also emphasizes the importance of internal communication, health policy advocacy, patient-provider interactions, and pharmaceutical marketing, showcasing the comprehensive scope and value of effective medical communication in advancing public health and clinical practice.
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The Role of AI & Machine Learning in Real-World Evidence Generation
The Role of AI & Machine Learning in Real-World Evidence Generation
In the evolving era of healthcare, data is the foundation of informed decision-making. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), real-world evidence (RWE) generation is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. AI-driven analytics empower researchers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to extract meaningful insights from vast and complex datasets which ultimately improve patient outcomes and optimize treatment strategies.
The power of RWE in healthcare
AI and ML are playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between controlled clinical trials and real-world clinical practices by enabling seamless synthesis and interpretation of diverse datasets. These technologies help in aligning clinical evidence with real-world treatment patterns and outcomes, making the data more applicable and impactful for regulatory documentation. Through automated data extraction, natural language processing, and real-time analytics, AI supports the creation of timely and compliant regulatory submissions that reflect real-world treatment efficacy and safety. In publication planning, ML can identify emerging data trends and prioritize high-impact topics, while AI-driven tools streamline manuscript generation and literature analysis. Additionally, in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), AI enhances model precision by incorporating dynamic, real-world variables—leading to more robust cost-effectiveness and budget impact assessments that resonate with payers and policymakers.
How AI & ML transform RWE generation
Data integration & processing
Healthcare data is often fragmented across multiple systems, making integration a major challenge. AI-driven algorithms efficiently harmonize disparate datasets, standardizing information from diverse sources such as:
EHRs: AI extracts relevant clinical information while maintaining patient privacy.
Wearable & sensor data: Continuous monitoring devices provide real-time insights into patient health trends.
Medical imaging & genomic data: AI enhances pattern recognition, enabling precision medicine approaches.
Predictive analytics for better decision-making
ML models analyze historical patient data to predict outcomes, identify disease progression, and assess treatment efficacy. For example:
Early disease detection: AI models detect anomalies in imaging scans or lab results, enabling early intervention.
Treatment optimization: By analyzing patient responses to therapies, ML suggests tailored treatment plans, reducing trial-and-error approaches.
Risk stratification: AI helps classify patients based on risk factors, aiding in proactive disease management.
Enhancing clinical trials & drug development
AI and ML streamline clinical research by:
Patient recruitment: Identifying eligible participants through automated data analysis.
Synthetic control arms: Using AI-generated patient models to simulate control groups, reducing the need for large trial populations.
Real-time monitoring: AI continuously tracks patient responses, adjusting protocols dynamically for optimal results.
Improving pharmacovigilance & safety monitoring
Post-market drug surveillance benefits from AI’s ability to detect adverse events from vast datasets, including:
Social media & patient forums: AI scans digital discussions for emerging side effect patterns.
EHRs & claims data: Identifies unexpected adverse reactions across large patient populations.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): Extracts insights from unstructured physician notes and reports.
Real-world impact of AI & ML in RWE generation
AI-driven RWE applications are already making tangible improvements in healthcare:
Personalized medicine: AI enables the development of individualized treatment plans based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Chronic disease management: ML models predict disease exacerbations, prompting timely interventions.
Health policy & public health initiatives: AI-driven RWE informs regulatory decisions, optimizing healthcare resource allocation.
Challenges & Solutions in AI-Powered RWE Generation
Challenge
Solution
Data privacy & security
Implementing robust encryption and federated learning techniques.
Bias & algorithm transparency
Ensuring diverse datasets and conducting regular audits to reduce biases.
Regulatory compliance
Aligning AI applications with global data governance frameworks.
Interpretability of AI models
Developing explainable AI (XAI) methods for better clinical adoption.
The future of AI in RWE
As AI and ML continue to advance, their role in RWE generation will expand, fostering
More efficient drug approvals: Regulatory bodies increasingly rely on AI-enhanced RWE to accelerate decision-making.
Improved patient-centric care: AI-powered insights enable more holistic, tailored treatment plans.
Greater integration with wearable tech: Continuous patient monitoring enhances real-time evidence collection.
Turacoz remain committed to scientific integrity, clear communication, and regulatory compliance. Our AI-enhanced approach to RWE documentation ensures that valuable real-world insights are effectively translated into actionable information for all stakeholders.
By combining medical writing expertise with advanced AI and ML capabilities, we help our clients transform complex real-world data into compelling evidence narratives that advance medical knowledge, support regulatory decisions, and ultimately improve patient care.
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