Summary
In this episode of Driving the Business of Science, Keith Parent, CEO of Court Square Group, discusses the intersection of science and business in drug development with Dr. Joseph Geraci, Founder, Chief Scientific and Technical Officer of NetraMark. Dr. Geraci, with a background in mathematics and AI, focuses on understanding patient populations and improving clinical trials. He explains how NetraMark’s AI technology can analyze small, complex data sets to identify treatment and placebo responder subpopulations and improve drug efficacy. Dr. Geraci emphasizes the potential of adaptive trials and the importance of personalized medicine. He predicts the future of AI in clinical trials will involve modular AI systems integrating pattern-finding and language interfaces to enhance drug development and patient care.
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Guest Profile
Dr. Joseph Geraci, PhD
Dr. Joseph Geraci is a mathematician, medical scientist, and AI expert with over 16 years of experience in machine learning, specializing in oncology, neuroscience, and non-medical industrial applications. With a PhD in mathematical physics and postdoctoral fellowships in oncology, neuroscience, and AI, he has pioneered novel AI paradigms, including algorithms integrating quantum computing with medical applications.
As the founder of NetraMark, which helps pharmaceutical companies derisk clinical trials, he delivers AI and quantum computing solutions to tackle complex industry challenges. Based near Toronto, Dr. Joe combines deep expertise with a passion for solving technical AI issues for businesses across Canada and the U.S.
Introduction to the Podcast and Court Square Group
- Keith Parent introduces the podcast, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the science and business aspects of drug development.
- Keith Parent provides an overview of Court Square Group, a managed service firm specializing in IT infrastructure for life science companies.
- Court Square Group offers services from pre-clinical through manufacturing, including clinical and regulatory support.
- Keith Parent mentions the company’s content management system, RegDocs365™, which includes an AI engine and a TMF (Trial Master File) system.
Dr. Joseph Geraci’s Background and NetraMark
- Keith Parent introduces Dr. Joseph Geraci, highlighting his contributions to AI and clinical trials.
- Dr. Joseph Geraci shares his educational background in biochemistry and mathematics, leading to a PhD in quantum computation.
- Dr. Geraci discusses his postdoctoral work at Princess Margaret Hospital and his focus on the mathematical aspects of cancer.
- He explains his transition to AI in medicine and his work with drug discovery companies, emphasizing the importance of understanding patient populations.
Transition to NetraMark and AI in Clinical Trials
- Dr. Joseph Geraci describes his move from academia to Equifax, where he worked with large datasets and developed AI techniques.
- He founded NetraMark, focusing on understanding patient populations and repurposing drugs.
- Dr. Geraci explains the company’s core technology, which helps in early-phase trials by identifying explainable subpopulations and improving trial success rates.
- He highlights the importance of small data sets in clinical trials and how NetraMark’s AI system can leverage these to reveal hidden patterns.
Challenges and Opportunities in Clinical Trials
- Keith Parent and Dr. Joseph Geraci discuss the challenges of recruiting patients for clinical trials and the potential of using smaller data sets to identify effective cohorts.
- Dr. Geraci explains how NetraMark’s AI system can analyze failed trials and identify subpopulations (not found through other subpopulation analyses) that may have responded well to the drug.
- They discuss the business implications of using AI to improve trial efficiency and reduce costs.
- Dr. Geraci emphasizes the importance of adaptive trials and how NetraMark’s technology can support this approach.
Adaptive Trials and Personalized Medicine
- Dr. Joseph Geraci shares insights on the potential of adaptive trials and how NetraMark’s technology can help in this area.
- He discusses the concept of control theory and its application to clinical trials, aiming to optimize trial outcomes.
- Dr. Geraci highlights the importance of personalized medicine and the challenges of marketing drugs that are effective only for specific subpopulations.
- Keith Parent and Dr. Geraci discuss the potential for AI to de-risk clinical trials and improve patient outcomes.
Future of AI in Clinical Trials
- Dr. Joseph Geraci predicts the future of AI in clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of modular AI systems that can handle different computational modalities.
- He explains how fusing different types of AI, such as pattern-finding modules and language interfaces, can lead to more effective drug development.
- Dr. Geraci highlights the potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare by providing personalized treatment plans based on detailed patient data.
- Keith Parent expresses his enthusiasm for the potential of AI in clinical trials and thanks Dr. Joseph Geraci for the insightful discussion.