Clinical Data sharing for transparency is a hot discussion topic since the Policy 0070 and Health Canada publishing requirements have been implemented. Pharmaceutical companies need to redact their clinical documents to support submission for market authorization, but regulatory bodies are motivating sponsors to maintain higher data utility through anonymization. It is not only regulatory groups, but also other associations/big pharmaceutical firms that are moving towards mandating of clinical data sharing.

For example, in July 2013, Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) & European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) member companies demonstrated commitment and shared complete Clinical Study Reports (CSRs) along with Individual patient data (IPD).

In June 2017, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) introduced a requirement for data sharing statements of clinical trials before publishing any articles in journals abiding to ICMJE.

Multiple scenarios for data sharing exist.

Sharing Data:

Clinical data such as dataset, clinical study reports, clinical summary reports and images may need sharing.

• Sharing data under Health Canada and EMA Policy 0070
• Sharing data externally with researchers.
• Sharing data internally for exploratory analysis. with the release of Phase 2

Variety of Anonymization

Business subject matter expertise balanced with leading edge technologies and software developers is critical in delivering solutions and services that resonate with our clients. Here are some of the SME groups and strategic consulting services we provide:

• Anonymization with redaction only approach and Qualitative/ Quantitative risk assessment
• Support with setting up data sharing and anonymization processes
• Anonymization with redaction and transformation of identifying information with Quantitative risk assessment
• Anonymization of clinical dataset, documents and DICOM images in sync for one study.

As a business that safeguards data, we ensure the accurate redaction and anonymization of all information. Every organization has different requirements for data retention, along with unique redaction needs.

We put our customers at ease by properly handling sensitive information. Quantitative risk analysis works on objective understanding as it relies on precise statistical data. In comparison, qualitative risk analysis works on expert subjective understanding, as it depends on the probability of an event and its level of impact. We provide actionable insights and help minimize uncertainty so the focus can be on high-priority risks.

Risk Assessment for Anonymization

Pharmaceutical companies have been submitting anonymized clinical reports to the EMA/Health Canada with redaction of any text meeting the criteria of personal information or Companies Confidential Information (CCI). EMA/Health Canada is also interested in alternative techniques for data anonymization. Those include replacement, generalization, date offsetting, etc., that have a more clearly established method for calculating the quantitative risk of re-identification.

The industry is using quantitative risk assessment for anonymization and maintaining the balance between the risk of re-identification and data utility. Hence, with the release of Phase 2 of Policy 0070, you can expect growth in anonymization as the industry recognizes the importance of data sharing.