The future of real-world evidence

The use of real-world evidence (RWE), or evidence derived from data generated outside clinical trials, is developing dramatically. As the importance of RWE continues to rise as a result of the shift to value based and personalized health care, biopharmaceutical companies need to think enterprise-wide to develop an end-to-end evidence management strategy.

We surveyed 20 leading biopharma companies to better understand how they are accessing RWD, applying RWE, and investments they are making in this area.

This year’s study found that biopharmaceutical leaders are thinking about:

• Real-world evidence across the product lifecycle. An overwhelming majority of respondents reported they have either established or are currently investing in building RWE capability for use across the entire product lifecycle.
• Internalizing more of their RWE activities. Instead of solely looking outward, biopharmaceutical companies are looking to establish end-to-end evidence strategies, supported by the right talent, platforms, and internal operating models.
• The use of non-traditional data sources. There is a growing desire to use nontraditional data sources such as purpose-built linked data, connected devices, and health apps. The future data landscape is likely to be shaped by an increase in strategic data partnerships and new ways of procuring data.

Key barriers to RWE initiatives. Two major roadblocks were on the mind of respondents: lack of internal understanding of where RWE analyses can be applied, and health care stakeholder receptivity to industry-generated RWE.