YPrime, a cloud-based clinical trial data management tool, announced its plans to buy patient engagement tool Tryl for an undisclosed sum. 

Tryl is focused on curbing clinical trial dropout rates by using machine learning and behavioral science to help engage patients and collect data. Patients are able to tap into personalized support throughout the clinical trial. The technology also includes a "Tryl Engagement Score," which can pinpoint patients at-risk of dropping out. 

This purchase means that YPrime will acquire Tryl's staff, development capabilities and intellectual property. 

WHY IT MATTERS

Participant retention has historically been a challenge in clinical trials. The Center Watch reports that in 2019 the clinical trial dropout rate was 19.1%. The attrition rate was the highest in central nervous system (CNS) and oncology studies. 

Today there are many tech companies like Tryl looking to help patients stay enrolled and compliant in studies. YPrime plans to integrate Tryl into its current patient engagement technologies. 

"YPrime's major priority has always been to anticipate the needs of tomorrow's clinical trials and create powerful eClinical tools that simplify the lives of sponsors, sites and patients," Shawn Blackburn, CEO of YPrime, said in a statement. "This combination with Tryl helps us leap ahead in fulfilling our vision of creating the industry's first-of-its-kind solution to help keep patients more informed and engaged throughout the entire clinical trial process, especially as our industry accelerates toward decentralized clinical trial models."

THE LARGER TREND 

There are dozens of digital health companies looking to improve the clinical trial process. For example, Trialjectory, which landed $20 million in Series A funding earlier this week, was designed to help patients find clinical trials. AllStripes scored $50 million for its platform, which enables patients to share their data for research on rare diseases. 

Oncology company Kaiku collects patient-reported outcomes for clinical trials. The company recently joined forces with pharma giant Novartis on a new initiative to help monitor and manage melanoma. 

CVS announced it was teaming up with decentralized clinical trial company Medable on a new initiative to expand clinical trial engagement. The effort, which will be managed by CVS Health Clinical Trial Services, is focused on enrolling patients and boosting diversity.