Could a startup founded by two guys in their 20s change the way medical researchers study patients? The Food and Drug Administration is open to the possibility. Flatiron Health began as a small New York tech company trying to use real-world data from patient electronic medical records to replace more traditional clinical trial data. Then it raised $328 million, launched a modest collaboration with the FDA to study the use of its so-called “real-world” data in 2016, and entered partnerships with just about every major drug firm. Last year, it was acquired for $1.9 billion by the Swiss drug giant Roche Holding. Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT Plus and enjoy your first 30 days free! STAT Plus is STAT's premium subscription service for in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis. Our award-winning team covers news on Wall Street, policy developments in Washington, early science breakthroughs and clinical trial results, and health care disruption in Silicon Valley and beyond.
FDA - owned Flatiron Health is expanding its partnership with the US Health and Drug Administration ( FDA ) , which seeks to overhaul what data is used in clinical trials . Flatiron uses data from electronic health records instead of traditional clinical trial data . The research relationship between the two organisations will ensure the FDA can further examine how to use FDA 's real - world treatment data in order to influence clinical decisions .