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Clinical Research and Drug Discovery Podcasts

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NEJM This Week — November 21, 2024

Featuring articles on a nationwide couple-based genetic screening; adjunctive embolization for subdural hematoma; a late-liver-stage attenuated malaria vaccine; and climate change, floods, and human health; a review article on Candida auris infections; a case report of a girl with abdominal pain; and Perspectives on Medicare’s first round of drug-price negotiation; on invisible deaths; on minding the sentinel; and on Saint Didacus, fetal death, and dual loyalty. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 20.
November 20, 2024
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Ebola, Bombs, and Migrants: A Conversation with Dr. Joanne Liu

Title: Ebola, Bombs, and Migrants: A conversation with Dr. Joanne Liu Host: Ben Plumley Guest: Dr. Joanne Liu, Pediatric Emergency Physician and Former International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) Episode Summary: In this episode, Ben Plumley interviews Dr. Joanne Liu, a pediatric emergency physician from Montreal, Quebec, and former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Dr. Liu discusses her new book, "L’Ebola, les bombes et les migrants," which delves into the interconnected crises of pandemics, conflict, and migration. The conversation covers her experiences and insights from her tenure at MSF, the impact of global crises on public health, and the importance of recognizing our common humanity. Key Topics: Introduction to Dr. Joanne Liu: Her background as a pediatric emergency physician and former president of MSF. New Book Discussion: "L’Ebola, les bombes et les migrants" and its exploration of the polycrises of pandemics, conflict, and migration. Pandemic Preparedness: Reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of public health awareness, and the need for better preparedness for future pandemics. Climate Crisis: The impact of climate change on health and the emergence of new diseases. Migration: Dr. Liu's personal connection to migration, the challenges faced by migrants, and the need for a rights-based approach. Conflict and Health: The targeting of health facilities in conflicts, the importance of international humanitarian law, and the role of international institutions in addressing these issues. Call to Action: Dr. Liu emphasizes the need for individual and collective action to address global challenges and uphold our common humanity. Notable Quotes: "We need to recognize the humanity in the other person, the person we call other, because if we don't, we are denying our own humanity." "Wishful thinking is not a strategy, and it's not an operational plan." Production Team: Director and Producer: Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Raphael Links: Link to Dr. Liu's book https://editionslibreexpression.groupelivre.com/products/lebola-les-bombes-et-les-migrants Connect with Us If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate us five stars, and share the conversation on global health equity. For more updates, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify. Facebook and Instagram: @ShotArmPodcast Youtube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shotarmpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69XpqCLn9oL2yU3votRIlO?si=8c14b13f7b8b48b3
November 18, 2024
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NEJM This Week — November 14, 2024

Featuring articles on perioperative durvalumab in bladder cancer, transcatheter valve repair for mitral regurgitation, chemoradiotherapy in gastric cancer, and lessons from England’s National Health Service; a review article on lung transplantation; a case report of a newborn with hypoxemia and a lung opacity; and Perspectives on our latest brief case studies on efforts toward equity and on forensic nurse examiners. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 19.
November 13, 2024
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Integrating Diagnostics for Global Health Equity with Dr. Ben LaBrot

Ben Plumley sits down with Dr. Benjamin LaBrot to discuss innovation and equity in global health diagnostics, focusing on diagnostics' pivotal role in addressing HIV Disease. The conversation covers key themes in diagnostic integration, barriers in middle-income countries, and the critical role of diagnostics in disease prevention and management for other conditions as well, like hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Host: Ben Plumley, Global Health Strategist Guest: Dr. Benjamin LaBrot, Physician and Global Health Advocate, Roche Diagnostics Key Topics Covered Diagnostics and Patient Empowerment Diagnostics are essential for individual treatment and monitoring, especially for diseases like HIV. LaBrot emphasizes that diagnostics need to evolve to provide integrated testing options for a holistic patient approach. Integration in Global Health Services Dr. LaBrot highlights the need for integrated diagnostic services to reduce fragmentation in healthcare, where separate tests for HIV, STI, hepatitis, and TB are offered. This integration can streamline diagnosis and improve patient care, particularly in low-resource settings. Middle-Income Country Challenges Middle-income countries feel underserved in global health funding and support, often excluded from international resources aimed at lower-income nations. Dr. LaBrot advocates for a more inclusive funding approach, arguing these countries have the infrastructure to maximize benefits from increased diagnostic support. Advances in Diagnostic Technology Dr. LaBrot shares how innovative approaches like plasma data separation cards offer practical solutions for remote and low-resource settings, enabling stable blood sample transport without refrigeration. This innovation bridges the gap between point-of-care testing and lab-based diagnostics, crucial for rural and underserved areas. The Role of Influencers and Education in Health Communication Both Ben Plumley and Dr. LaBrot stress the importance of reaching patients through trusted community influencers and digital platforms. Highlighting Panama’s COVID-19 communication strategy, they underscore how trusted leaders and influencers can combat misinformation and promote health education effectively. Memorable Quotes “In a fragmented healthcare system, diagnostics integration is not just optimal; it’s essential for the effectiveness of any treatment.” - Dr. Ben LaBrot “Middle-income countries feel left out—too well-off to receive international aid but lacking resources to implement comprehensive healthcare.” - Dr. Ben LaBrot Connect with Us If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate us five stars, and share the conversation on global health equity. For more updates, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify. Facebook and Instagram: @ShotArmPodcast Youtube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shotarmpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69XpqCLn9oL2yU3votRIlO?si=8c14b13f7b8b48b3 Website: www.ashotinthearmpodcast.com Production Team Produced by Erik Espera (NewsDoc Media)  Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Rafael
November 11, 2024
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Post Election Blues & Reds

In this episode, Ben reflects on the recent US Presidential Election and its implications for democracy and global health. Key points discussed include: Democracy in Action: The election showcased the importance of daily democratic engagement in a divided country. Transition Team Priorities: The new administration must focus on health, including rebuilding trust in medical science, pandemic preparedness, and funding frontline services. Global Risks: The triple threats of pandemics, climate change, and conflict pose unprecedented risks to our way of life. AIDS Response: Concerns about the US investment in PEPFAR and the Global Fund, and the need for shared global responsibility to end AIDS. Future of AIDS Response: Plans to launch a dedicated podcast series addressing the long-term AIDS response post-2030, costs, and protecting vulnerable communities. Digital Technology's Role: The significant impact of digital technology and social media on our lives and the need to understand and utilize them effectively. Call to Action: Join Ben, Eric, and the team on this essential journey. Stay tuned for ways to get involved and support their mission. Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast
November 7, 2024
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NEJM This Week — November 7, 2024

Featuring articles on an invasive treatment strategy in older patients with myocardial infarction, a randomized trial of very early medication abortion, therapies in stage III melanoma, and on long Covid defined; a review article on uterine fibroids; a Clinical Problem-Solving on two sides to the story; and Perspectives on the U.S. Latino HIV crisis, on reframing cerebral palsy as a lifelong disability, and on an older patient and his physician finding an immediate, resonant connection in a haunting song recalled from long ago and far away. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 18.
November 6, 2024
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Unlocking the Potential of Clinical Trial Data: New CRDSA Standards

2024-10-31 Clinical Research Data Sharing Alliance (CRDSA) published two new standards earlier this year: the Standard for Sharing Clinical Study Data and the Standard for Secondary Analysis of Clinical Study Data.We held a great discussion on how these standards aim to facilitate the responsible sharing and use of anonymized individual patient data from clinical studies to support the research community and accelerate the discovery and delivery of new therapies to patients. Data Reuse in Regulatory Submissions: The Role of Data Platforms resource was discussed during the live session as well.You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live Audio on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
November 4, 2024
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Global Health Diplomats: The 2024 US Election

In this special episode of the Global Health Diplomats, hosted by Ben Plumley and Professor Eric Goosby, the focus is on the upcoming US presidential election and its implications for global health diplomacy. The discussion covers the lack of attention to global health in the current election campaigns, the potential future of global health diplomacy under different administrations, and the critical issues facing global health - the polycrises of pandemics, climate and conflict, as well as the ongoing demands of the global reponse to AIDS. Key Topics Discussed: US Election and Global Health Diplomacy: The lack of attention on global health in the campaigns. The importance of global health for US security and global stability. Future Administration's Role: The risks of vaccine skepticism and hostility to evidence-based decision making that could fundamentally undermine over 50 benefits to society from biomedical research. How realistic is bipartisan support and the challenges in achieving it. Global Health Challenges: The ongoing threat of pandemics and climate-related diseases. The emergence of new and existing infections due to climate change. HIV/AIDS Response: The future of the AIDS response post-2025 and 2030. The need for sustainable funding and local resource mobilization. Ethical and Policy Considerations: The ethical implications of withdrawing support for HIV/AIDS treatment. The importance of evidence-based decision-making in health policy. Call to Action: If you haven't already voted, make a plan to vote and ensure your friends and family do the same. Your vote is crucial for the future of global health and beyond. Production Team: Director and Producer: Erik Espera, NewsDoc Media Production Coordinator and Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Rafael Closing Remarks: Ben and Eric emphasize the importance of voting and staying safe. They promise to return with more discussions on what needs to happen next in global health diplomacy. Listen to the full episode for an in-depth discussion on these critical issues and more. You can also watch the video at youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast or on Spotify.
November 3, 2024
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NEJM This Week — October 31, 2024

Featuring articles on semaglutide in persons with obesity and knee osteoarthritis, the addition of PI3K inhibition in breast cancer, treatments in older patients with myeloma, and total hip replacement for hip osteoarthritis; a review article on lead poisoning; a case report of a man with dyspnea after old myocardial infarction; and Perspectives on large language models and the medical record, on measuring AI against the health care we have, on the failing U.S. health system, and on the contemporary rise of pronatalism. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 17.
October 30, 2024
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NEJM This Week — October 24, 2024

Featuring articles on treatments in heart failure, advanced non–small-cell lung cancer, and Dupuytren’s contracture; a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deletion in a long noncoding RNA; a review article on burnout and depression among physicians; a case report of a woman with confusion, aphasia, and a brain mass; a Medicine and Society article on how the idea of social contagion shaped trans medicine; and Perspectives on navigating clinicians’ conscience-based refusals, on opportunity costs of Medicare Advantage rebates, on celebrating public health, and on taking our own medicine. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 16.
October 23, 2024
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NEJM This Week — October 17, 2024

Featuring articles on nivolumab in advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma, kidney transplantation from donors with HIV, a modular communicative leadless pacing–defibrillator system, stereotactic body radiotherapy in prostate cancer, and on how DNA sensing drives inflammation; a review article on cryoglobulinemia; a case report of a woman with dyspnea, dysphagia, and dysarthria; and a Special Report and Perspectives on the U.S. elections and health policy.
October 16, 2024
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The Venn Diagram of Point of Care Trials, DCTs, and RWE

2024-10-10 Hosts Craig Lipset, Dr. Amir Kalali, and Jane Myles were joined by Matt Veatch and Aaron Kamauu, hosts of the Real World Wednesday's Club on Clubhouse. We joined forces for a TGIF-DTRA + RWW Crossover Episode! With the release of the FDA Draft Guidance on Integrating Randomized Controlled Trials for Drug and Biological Products Into Routine Clinical Practice, it was the perfect topic to bring together the DCT and RWE community for a conversation around this guidance. We discussed why this guidance was aligned to RWE, the distinctions between decentralized, pragmatic, point-of-care trials, and real-world evidence, and how RCTs and DCTs can drive access for all patients.Read the guidance here --> https://www.fda.gov/media/181871/downloadYou can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live Audio on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
October 15, 2024
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Sharing the Mic with Frontline AIDS: Africa’s Forgotten Mpox Outbreaks

We are Sharing The Mic again with Frontline AIDS to highlight the latest mpox outbreaks that have started in the Democratic Republic of Congo, spread to Burundi and beyond. From lack of access to accurate, updated information, diagnostics - and of course - vaccines, communities - particularly partners of Frontline AIDS - are calling out for urgent, concerted action from governments, and international agencies, including the WHO. Joining Ben are: Ntombizodwa Mthembu, Programs Adviser, Frontline AIDS Aggrey Aluso, Pandemic Action Network, Director, Africa Region, Kenya Dr. Egide Haragirimana, Co-Founder & Co-Chair Village Health Action, Burundi. https://frontlineaids.org https://www.pandemicactionnetwork.org https://www.vh-a.org #mpox #vaccineaccess #commodities #communityleadership #healthequity
October 14, 2024
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How can Academic Health Centers inject innovation back into clinical trial conduct?

2024-10-11 Hosts Craig Lipset, Jane Myles, and Dr. Amir Kalali were joined by Donna O'Brien and Rachel Sher (Manatt) and how their work is expanding access and enrollment and driving innovation for clinical trials in academic centers.You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live Audio on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
October 14, 2024
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Reflecting on the UN Summits with Wame Jallow

At the end of September’s UN events fest at the UN in NY, Ben and friend of the pod, Wame Jallow, catch up and ask, was it worth it? Lots of talking, lots of walking, declarations on the future, on anti-microbial resistance, and a dizzying number of receptions sprinkled across Manhattan, did we really learn anything more than we’re facing trouble ahead? And don’t forget the MTV Shuga Prep Fairy! https://youtu.be/fxxsfrTFN3E?si=W9W17-aw29QLSFDn https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/09/26/default-calendar/un-general-assembly-high-level-meeting-on-antimicrobial-resistance-2024 https://restlessdevelopment.org/youthpowersummit/ https://mtvstayingalive.org #UN #AMR #summitofthefuture #polycrises #climate #conflict #pandemics #youth #fitforpurpose #prepfairy
October 12, 2024
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NEJM This Week — October 10, 2024

Featuring articles on beta-blocker use after myocardial infarction and treatments for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and for small-cell lung cancer; a review article on hairy-cell leukemia; a case report of a man with fever, myalgia, jaundice, and respiratory failure; and Perspectives on Mpox, on addressing health care cost growth, and on confirmatory trials of accelerated approval drugs. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 14.
October 9, 2024
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Protocol Changes – Covid and Beyond

2024-10-04 Hosts Jane Myles and special guest host Jean Sposaro (BMS) welcomed Joe Unger (Fred Hutch) for a conversation. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased cancer clinical trial enrollment and swift changes were needed from researchers, regulators, and policymakers to ensure research and care could continue. He shares more about a task force created to better understand the impact of the pandemic on the conduct of oncology clinical trials.You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live Audio on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
October 7, 2024
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Made in Africa mRNA Vaccines: A talk with Dr. Petro Terblanche of Afrigen Biologics & Vaccine

Ben recently sat down with Dr. Petro Terblanche, the head of Afrigen, Africa’s first mRNA vaccine researcher and manufacturer. From the calamities of COVID-19 vaccine populism, the African public health community & its allies swore that never again would Africa be last in the line when it came to life saving pandemic vaccines, and Petro sets out how this can - and is - being achieved, notwithstanding a wide array of challenges - and opposition. https://www.afrigen.co.za https://medicinespatentpool.org https://www.who.int/initiatives/the-mrna-vaccine-technology-transfer-hub https://www.gavi.org https://cepi.net//home-page #mRNA #vaccines #access #equity #platformtechnology #mRNAhub
October 6, 2024
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NEJM This Week — October 3, 2024

Featuring articles on lenacapavir for HIV prevention in cisgender women, tirzepatide for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, lymphadenectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, secondary T-cell lymphoma after CAR T-cell therapy, and immunity and early colorectal carcinogenesis; a review article on prolonged grief disorder; a Clinical Problem-Solving on avoiding rash decisions; and Perspectives on health care reform and the 2024 U.S. elections, on financial toxicity for patients from the use of AI, on the Supreme Court’s shadowy treatment of public health, and on caring for our communities. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 13.
October 2, 2024
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The Power of Social Connection for Community Well-Being

Social connection is vital to community well-being. It fosters support, resilience, and a shared sense of belonging that strengthens both individuals and the community as a whole. In this episode of Aging Fast & Slow, we explore the impact of social connection on community resilience. Dr. Thomas Cudjoe from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine shares research on how isolation affects health and community strength and strategies to foster social connection. Tune in to learn how we can build more connected, resilient communities. REFERENCES: Cudjoe TKM, Boyd CM, Wolff JL, Roth DL. Advance care planning: Social isolation matters. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2020 April. Cudjoe TKM, Kotwal AA. Social distancing amid a crisis in social isolation and loneliness. J Am Geri Soc 2020 May 20. Cudjoe TKM, Roth DL, Szanton SL, Wolff JL, Boyd CM, Thorpe Jr., RJ. The epidemiology of social isolation: National Health & Aging Trends Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2020 Jan 1. Cudjoe TKM, Selvakumar S, Chung S, Latkin CA, Roth DL, Thorpe Jr., RJ, Boyd CM. (2021). Getting under the Skin: Social isolation and biological markers in the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Golden SH, Cudjoe TKM, Galiatsatos P, Brownlee D, Flanagan E, Crews DC, Maruthur N, Brown M, Ashby A, Hellmann DB, Knox T, Anderson ME. A perspective on the Baltimore Freddie Gray riots: Turning tragedy into civic engagement and culture change in an academic department of medicine. Acad Med. 2018 December.
October 1, 2024
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NEJM This Week — September 26, 2024

Featuring articles on systematic vs. targeted biopsy for prostate cancer screening, ziresovir in hospitalized infants with RSV, gene therapy for factor IX deficiency, and a phase 2 trial of tulisokibart for ulcerative colitis; a review article on neuroleptic malignant syndrome; a case report of a woman with kidney lesions and lytic bone disease; and Perspectives on Dobbs revisited, on the role of physicians on ethics committees after Dobbs, on accessible weight scales and exam tables, and on ensuring a safe and sufficient global blood supply. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 12.
September 25, 2024
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Conducting Clinical Trials with DCT Elements Guidance

2024-09-20 Hosts Craig Lipset and Jane Myles hosted a discussion around the long-awaited FDA Final Guidance on DCTs: Conducting Clinical Trials With Decentralized Elements Guidance for Industry, Investigators, and Other Interested Parties.A host of guests were brought to the stage to share perspectives on what they are excited for about this new guidance, what ambiguity was cleared up, and more!You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live Audio on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
September 23, 2024
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NEJM This Week — September 19, 2024

Featuring articles on long-term oxygen therapy in severe hypoxemia, reducing opioid overdose deaths, blocking CSF1R in chronic GVHD, and pomalidomide in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia; a review article on central nervous system vasculitis; a case report of a man with confusion and kidney failure; a Medicine and Society on house staff unionization revisited; and Perspectives on ethical challenges in pragmatic and cluster RCTs, on the sense and sensibility of sensitivity analyses, and on there being no one in charge. Supplement to the New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 391, No. 11.
September 18, 2024
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DCT Adoption in Covid and Beyond

2024-09-13 Hosts Craig Lipset and special guest hosts, Ali Holland and Pamela Tenaerts (Medable) hosted a discussion around DCT Adoption in Covid and Beyond with Dr. Pablo Cure and Thomas Radman (NCATS).In 2023, NIH NCATS posted an RFI to understand the role of decentralized methods in trials and DTRA held a listening session and created a response to the RFI with the input of our membership community. This RFI lead to an NIH NCATS 2024 DCT Report released in June 2024. We held a conversation with Dr. Cure and Thomas around catalyzing the use of these innovative methods to drive access for more patients.Blog mentioned in episode --> https://ccos-cc.ctsa.io/news/mikes-blog/you-say-po-tay-toe-and-i-say-po-tah-toeYou can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live Audio on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.
September 16, 2024
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