A technology platform which allows researchers to spend more time on clinical research rather than data entry, is being used for the first time in a clinical trial at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH).
In collaboration with companies IgniteData and AstraZeneca, a technology platform called Archer is being used in a Phase 3 study sponsored by AstraZeneca.
The aim of Archer is to help researchers quickly transfer data from electronic health records (EHRs) to research databases or electronic data capture (EDCs) used in clinical trials.
Rather than manually transferring data, which can be time-consuming for researchers, Archer allows large volumes of data to be integrated from EHRs to EDCs - transferring several hundred data points per patient, efficiently and securely.
The integration of Archer into our electronic health record (EHR) system represents a significant leap forward in how we conduct clinical trials. The automation of data capture not only enhances efficiency but also ensures the highest standards of data integrity, which is crucial for the success of our research and, ultimately, for patient outcomes. This level of automation and mapping was also made possible thanks to the hard work and committment of the eHospital team at CUH.
Dr. Wai Keong Wong, Clinical Director of Digital Transformation at CUH

The collaboration between Cambridge University Hospitals, AstraZeneca, and IgniteData began in 2021, with AstraZeneca playing a key role in developing the Archer platform.
After successful pilot studies at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), Archer is now being deployed in this pivotal study at Cambridge. All participating patients provided prior approval for the integration and use of their clinical data in the study.
It underscores the commitment of both Cambridge University Hospitals and AstraZeneca to advancing clinical research through innovative technology.
Our partnership with Cambridge University Hospitals and AstraZeneca is a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing clinical research. With Archer, we are laying the groundwork for a new era of digital innovation in clinical trials, one where data is transferred seamlessly, securely, and efficiently.
Richard Yeatman, COO of IgniteData