The American Heritage Dictionary defines the steps of the scientific method as
The observation of phenomena, the formulation of a hypothesis concerning the phenomena, experimentation to demonstrate the truth or falseness of the hypothesis, and a conclusion that validates or modifies the hypothesis.
At Collective Acumen, we apply the Scientific Method so you can make better decisions, more efficiently at critical milestones throughout the product lifecycle.
Better decisions are driven through the application of the Scientific Method by:
Clear Formulation of a Question:
The first and often most difficult part of the process. We work with clients to help formulate the real question to be answered. A solid question is specific and relates to a concrete decision a client has the ability to influence. [below points may benefit from visual boxing for quick read / engagement]
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A solid question: “What clinical trial endpoint will drive greatest adoption of a new therapeutic?”
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A weak question: How are patients treated today and why?
Conducting Observation:
We compile and synthesize the often mountainous available data, into a clear set of insights which relate to the key question and help form a hypothesis.
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The hypothesis often supports or helps to fine-tune the “question”
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The hypothesis drives strategy for further insights
Developing a Simple but Compelling Hypothesis:
A good hypothesis is predictive and can be tested. At Collective Acumen we often formulate a hypothesis in terms of the pharmaceutical Moment of Truth, in other words:
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The specific physician segment we are targeting
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The precise patient type we are seeking
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The key points of product differentiation and evidence provided to prove it
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Exactly how the product will be distributed, handled and administered?
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Who will pay for the product and what value it will provide
Conduct Testing:
Research made more efficient by ensuring that it is designed to validate or refute the hypothesis. The Collective Acumen team employs various combinations of novel applications to test and refine the hypothesis. We work with clients to design research which will ask the right questions of the right subjects, with single minded attention to the ultimate decisions to be made.
The Collective Acumen difference lies in the experience of the project leadership. Every project is led by a member of the senior team (meaning 10+ years of Life Sciences experience) Research and consulting final reports should do more than deliver the findings of the work. Our analysis will always seek to Answer the Question we began with in a strategic, concise and management-ready format that synthesizes everything we have learned and incorporates a decade or more of commercialization experience.