Empowering clinical research and development through patient partnership

‍The impact of patient-relevant engagement to raise awareness & drive recruitment in a phase II clinical trial

Patients are not just participants in clinical studies but partners whose insights shape the way research is designed, communicated, and delivered.

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Introduction

In the SUISSE MPC-2 study, a phase II clinical trial exploring a novel cell-based therapy for women with stress urinary incontinence, the teams from University of Zurich and MUVON Therapeutics , faced a unique set of challenges. Not only was the condition itself surrounded by stigma, making open discussion difficult for many women, but the study’s design included strict eligibility criteria and it was conducted at a single site in Zurich, Switzerland, further limiting participant access. The novelty of the investigated treatment meant that clear, honest, and empathetic communication was essential to build trust and encourage participation.

The objective was to break through barriers of awareness and trust and reach potential eligible patients who might benefit from this therapy. Recognizing that patients are not just study subjects but true partners in research, admedicum stepped in with its patient2site collaborative approach, a modular framework designed to support patients at every stage of their journey. This approach ensured that individuals felt informed, understood, and empowered.

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Key elements of the approach

• Patient-friendly website with a digital pre-screener: Co-created with a patient expert and the leading study physician, the website served as a welcoming first step. By integrating a digital pre-screener, potential candidates could easily check their eligibility from the comfort of their home, making initial contact less intimidating.

• Video interview with the Principle Investigator: To further build trust, a video interview featuring the study’s lead physician was shared. This gave potential participants the chance to hear directly from the expert behind the research, helping to personalize the study and demystify the process.
• Outreach via social media, patient communities, and healthcare professionals: Awareness was raised through targeted outreach, leveraging the power of social media and patient advocacy groups. Healthcare professionals also played a crucial role, informing eligible women and helping address questions and concerns.
• Study Information Service: A stand-by phone and email service for potential participants, with trained female admedicum staff, provided personalized empathic support for potential participants. This service ensured that women had a safe space to ask questions, whether about the study, the condition, or the treatment itself, helping to overcome stigma and personal discomfort.

Through these combined efforts, the SUISSE MPC-2 study turned recruitment into an efficient and collaborative process. By addressing the voices and concerns of women with stress urinary incontinence, patient-focused engagement broke down barriers, built trust, and encouraged participation.

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Outcomes and Impact

The Study Information Service provided personalized support throughout the recruitment process & valuable insights were gained regarding patient communication and engagement strategies.

For Patients:
- Transparent and compassionate communication about what participation in the trial involves.
- Enhanced understanding of the study process, leading to a more positive and informed experience.
- Personalized support provided through both phone and email by trained staff.

For the Sponsor:
- Achieved efficient recruitment outcomes.
- Strengthened credibility and trust within the patient community through transparent engagement.
- Validated patient-centric communication strategies in real-world clinical trial settings.
- Minimized recruitment workload for site investigators by providing pre-qualified patient referrals.

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Concluding remarks

Conducting clinical trials is not just about improving numbers; it’s about fostering trust and relevance for patients, especially those living with conditions that may carry stigma or misunderstanding. By co-creating communication strategies and support tools with patients, the study team demonstrated how meaningful engagement can make clinical research more accessible and impactful.

The integration of an empathic communication approach, delivered through a dedicated study information service, played a critical role in addressing patients’ concerns, reducing feelings of isolation, and ensuring their voices were heard throughout the trial process. This service provided a safe, respectful, and confidential channel for patients to ask questions and receive guidance, reinforcing that their experiences and perspectives matter. Such thoughtful engagement not only encourages greater participation but also builds lasting credibility and trust between patients and researchers.

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Why we do what we do at admedicum

At admedicum, we are convinced that meaningful patient involvement is not just possible—it’s essential. For nearly a decade, we have been dedicated to connecting people living with chronic and rare diseases with companies, researchers, and healthcare providers—on equal footing. Only through genuine partnership can we co-create solutions that truly make a difference.

We sincerely thank the teams at MUVON Therapeutics and the University of Zurich for their trust and collaboration throughout the SUISSE MPC-2 trial. Your commitment to patient-centered research made this joint effort both impactful and rewarding.

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