Improving clinical trials by using real-world data to reduce hidden biases
Official title: Methods to improve efficiency and robustness of clinical trials using information from real-world data with hidden bias
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10913527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make clinical trials better by using real-world data to help ensure that new treatments are safe and effective for all kinds of patients, so everyone can benefit from the results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $821,870 |
| NIH project number | 5U01FD007934-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are eligible for clinical trials but may have been previously excluded due to the limitations of traditional trial designs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that are not typically included in clinical trials or those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for participation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of clinical trials by integrating real-world data (RWD) while addressing hidden biases that may affect trial outcomes. It focuses on developing new analytical methods to assess the validity of RWD when used alongside traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs). By creating a framework to evaluate the robustness of results, the project seeks to ensure that treatments evaluated in trials are both safe and effective for diverse patient populations. This approach could lead to more inclusive and representative clinical trials, ultimately benefiting patients with various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate evaluations of new treatments, benefiting patients by making effective therapies available sooner.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using real-world data to enhance clinical trial designs, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaofei — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaofei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating genetic factors in Lewy body diseases
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene might play a role in conditions like Parkinson's disease and dementia, so that people can better understand how their genetics affect their health and possibly find more tailored treatments.
-
Targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in a deadly childhood cancer
This study is looking at a specific protein that helps a tough childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with the goal of finding new ways to treat kids who have this illness.
-
Improving population health by studying reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different things in our environment can impact pregnancy and the health of babies, and it’s for people who are planning to have children or are already parents, as it aims to help improve understanding and outcomes for everyone involved.
-
Modeling axon degeneration in C. elegans to help ALS patients
Researchers are using a tiny worm model to uncover how axons break down, which could point to new ways to help people with ALS and related nerve diseases.
-
Induced Suppression of Platelet Activity in Aneurysmal SAH Management
A new approach tests whether carefully reducing platelet activity can improve outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.