Paradigm Health Expands AI-Driven Cancer Trials to Rural America

Paradigm Health has announced the addition of Dr. David Shulkin, former United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to its advisory board to bolster its AI-driven efforts in expanding cancer clinical trials to rural America. In a press release, the company highlighted the underrepresentation of rural patients in clinical trials, noting that less than half of U.S. counties had any cancer trials conducted between 2008 and 2022.

Dr. Shulkin emphasized the importance of bringing clinical trials closer to rural communities, particularly for veterans, who often reside in areas with limited healthcare resources. Paradigm Health aims to address these "clinical trial deserts" by leveraging technology and expert services to improve access to potentially life-saving treatments.

The company has launched partnerships at over 400 research sites across 1,000 healthcare provider locations in three countries, focusing on rural geographies. Through a collaboration with OpenAI, Paradigm Health has managed to reduce clinician time for patient eligibility screening by 90%, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of trial participation.

Kent Thoelke, CEO of Paradigm Health, stated that the integration of clinical trials into routine care without additional costs or labor is a key mission for the company. The involvement of Dr. Shulkin is expected to further strengthen these efforts, ensuring that new therapies are tested in the populations they are meant to benefit.