From BIG Pharma to DECENTralized pharma, a huge opportunity to implement real-world change.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Alexander M.M. Arons

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a blockchain-based ecosystem to ensure transparent drug pricing and enhance access, empowering individuals to afford and obtain vital healthcare innovations.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The code will be published as an appendix to an open-access scientific paper, and be available on cardanohealthinnovation.com

[METADATA] SDG rating

3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The bigger picture:

 

Cardano Health Innovation Ecosystem: Revolutionizing Healthcare through Transparency and Collaboration

 

In the vast landscape of healthcare, where the promise of breakthroughs is often overshadowed by challenges, the Cardano Health Innovation Ecosystem emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation. This visionary initiative addresses the longstanding issues within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, aiming to redefine the way drugs are developed, financed, and delivered. At its core, this ecosystem leverages the power of blockchain, smart contracts, and community-driven innovation to usher in an era of transparency, inclusivity, and unprecedented access to drug development.

 

Current Landscape: Challenges in Traditional Healthcare

 

The traditional biotech and pharmaceutical models have, for decades, been marked by proprietary practices, and high development costs. This has resulted in life-saving innovations but has also perpetuated inefficiencies, inequities, and a lack of transparency. The pharmaceutical industry often operates behind closed doors, leaving patients, researchers, and smaller biotech companies struggling to navigate barriers such as opaque pricing, proprietary processes, and extended development timelines.

 

Price opacity in the current system poses a significant challenge. Big Pharma primarily employs 'Value-based pricing,' which means pricing drugs at the maximum amount people(/countries) are willing to pay. This approach often leads to displacement effects in countries with fixed healthcare budgets, where cheaper or more effective health interventions are underutilized or ignored due to budget constraints imposed by expensive innovative medicines.

 

The Vision: Cardano Health Innovation Ecosystem

 

Cardano Health Innovation envisions a future where innovation thrives in an open and collaborative ecosystem. The groundbreaking concept of "open-sourcing" drug development is at the heart of this vision. The ecosystem seeks to dismantle the barriers that have long hindered progress in healthcare and replace them with a community-driven approach that prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and shared goals.

 

Key Components of the Ecosystem:

 

1. Blockchain Technology: The use of Cardano's blockchain technology ensures a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record of the entire drug development lifecycl

 

1. Smart Contracts: Smart contracts automate and enforce agreements within the ecosyste

 

1. Open Market for Tasks: The Cardano TaskMarket, a pivotal component of the ecosystem, serves as an open market where tasks related to drug development are liste

 

1. Community-Driven Innovation: The ecosystem thrives on collaboratio

 

 

Why Cardano Blockchain?

 

The choice of Cardano's blockchain is strategic. The Cardano blockchain offers a robust and scalable infrastructure that aligns with the demands of a complex ecosystem like healthcare. With a focus on security and sustainability, Cardano provides a foundation for the transparent and efficient operation of the ecosystem. Moreover, the Cardano community ethos aligns with the vision of community-driven innovation, making it an ideal choice for a project that prioritizes inclusivity.

 

Looking to the Future:

 

As the Cardano Health Innovation Ecosystem takes shape, it faces challenges such as building trust in open and transparent systems, ensuring widespread adoption, and navigating regulatory landscapes. However, a detailed roadmap for future developments outlines a strategic plan for overcoming these challenges.

 

Conclusion: A New Era in Healthcare

 

In summary, the Cardano Health Innovation Ecosystem is not just a project; it is a paradigm shift in how we approach healthcare innovation. By addressing the current challenges in drug development and pricing, this ecosystem paves the way for a future where the patient is at the center, and collaborative, community-driven efforts lead to groundbreaking discoveries. The Cardano blockchain serves as the backbone of this transformation, providing the security and transparency needed to revolutionize healthcare for generations to come. As the ecosystem evolves, it stands as a testament to the power of decentralized, open innovation in solving real-world problems and bringing about positive change in the healthcare industry.

 

 

The current request for funding:

 

The Cardano Health Innovation Ecosystem currently is nothing more than a vision, and bringing this vision into fruition and delivering actual drugs on the market would be an endeavor with a realistic timeline of at least 12-15 years.

The request for funding in this Fund12 is to come up with a proof-of-concept product, to show that the vision can be realized, and provide value to relevant stakeholders and society in general. This proof-of-concept will be in the form of a microsimulation model, that demonstrates exactly how the ecosystem actors interact with each other. The modeled results should provide us with the business case of the ecosystem, by demonstrating the potential value for investors, (healthcare) insurance companies, premium paying citizens, healthcare institutes/ministries of health, and patients.

 

The phases and timeline of the model development are provided below:

 

•Initiation and Planning (1 month):

• Define clear and concise objectives.
• Identify key research questions for the scientific paper.

•Data Collection and Analysis (2 months):

• Literature research.
• Begin initial data cleaning and preprocessing.
• Conduct preliminary data analysis for the scientific paper.

•Model Design and Initial Development (2 months):

• Focus on core simulation logic and algorithms.
• Develop a basic version of the model.
• Outline the methodology section of the scientific paper.

•UI Design and Initial Development (2 months):

• Quickly design a functional interface.
• Develop the essential frontend and backend components.
• Document the user interface design for the paper.

•Integration and Testing (2 months):

• Integrate the model with the UI.
• Conduct rapid testing and address critical issues.
• Begin drafting the results section of the scientific paper.

•Documentation and Reporting (1 month):

• Prepare concise documentation for the model and UI.
• Develop essential visualizations and reports.
• Work on the discussion section of the scientific paper.

•Review and Iteration (1 month):

• Conduct a quick review of the integrated system.
• Address immediate feedback.
• Revise the scientific paper based on initial findings.

•Deployment and Finalization (1 month):

• Implement the integrated system on cardanohealthinnovation.com.
• Ensure the website is user friendly and functional.
• Prepare a condensed final report.
• Finalize the scientific paper and submit it to an open access journal.

•Open Access Publication (? months):

• Address any revisions or feedback from the journal.
• Ensure compliance with open access requirements.
• Publish the scientific paper in the chosen journal.

Note that this proposal was also submitted to Fund11 (https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/110695 and https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18mDkdQn8fufBr7Ab9oSlV14UvBTMoUHeS43KAJiYPgQ/edit#gid=816051331), where it just barely missed the threshold of being funded.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The proposed microsimulation model is an immediate asset to Cardano, providing a data-driven tool for ecosystem evaluation. Success will be measured through open-access publications, aligning with Cardano's commitment to rigorous scientific standards.

If the model demonstrates a positive business case for the ecosystem, the potential disruption of the $5.3 trillion big pharma industry becomes a reality. This aligns with Cardano's ethos of transformative blockchain applications. Outputs and opportunities will be shared openly with the Cardano community, fostering collaboration and maximizing the project's impact.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

I bring a proven track record of successful project management and academic contributions. Previously, I played a key role in the EuroQol Research Foundation, securing €173K in funding for five projects from 2013-2016, all completed on time with positive reviews [source: https://euroqol.org/research-table-download/]. My extensive publication history on Google Scholar [source: https://scholar.google.nl/citations?hl=nl&user=fC199JUAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate] reflects my commitment to rigorous research.

In 2016, I transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, contributing as a Pricing & Market Access Manager at Novartis. There, I specialized in health technology assessments and health economic evaluations, assessing the societal value of new treatments compared to existing standards.

My 2020 move to a healthcare insurance company further enriched my expertise. In roles as a Senior Actuary and Policy Advisor, I honed my skills in developing intricate in-house health-economic models, including microsimulation models. These experiences uniquely position me to deliver the requirements of this funding proposal. My history of successful project execution, coupled with a robust background in academia and the pharmaceutical and insurance sectors, ensures a trustworthy and accountable approach to managing funds for the Cardano Health Innovation ecosystem.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Literature Review on Model Inputs

This milestone centers on conducting an exhaustive literature review to identify and gather crucial inputs for the microsimulation model. The emphasis will be on acquiring data sources, parameters, and relevant variables required for the model's accuracy and effectiveness.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Submission of a comprehensive literature review document specifically addressing inputs for the microsimulation mode
2. The document should encompass diverse data sources, parameters, and variables used in similar models within the healthcare contex
3. Demonstration of a clear understanding of how identified inputs contribute to the model's precision and reliability.

Milestone 2: Model Development Initiation

This milestone marks the commencement of the microsimulation model development. It includes setting up the necessary infrastructure, defining parameters, and initial coding to establish the model's framework.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Confirmation of the initiation of coding and model development.
2. Demonstration of the framework's functionality, showcasing the basic structure of the microsimulation model.
3. Clear documentation of the initial codebase and framework architecture.

Milestone 3: Prototype Model Completion

This milestone signifies the completion of a functional prototype of the microsimulation model. The output will be an operational model with essential features, allowing for preliminary testing and feedback.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Submission of a functional prototype of the microsimulation model.
2. Successful execution of initial tests to validate core functionalities.
3. Documentation of the prototype's features, limitations, and any necessary adjustments for the next phase.

Final Milestone:

Microsimulation Model Development

Description:

Complete the development of the microsimulation model, encompassing all relevant parameters for evaluating the Cardano Health Innovation ecosystem.

Milestone Output(s):

• Functional microsimulation model accessible online.
• Documentation detailing model structure, parameters, and functionalities.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. The model accurately incorporates all specified parameters for biotech companies, investors, and the overall health innovation ecosystem
2. The online platform allows users to adjust parameters and view simulation results interactively
3. Documentation is comprehensive, providing clear insights into model intricacies and usage

As this phase of the project is relatively straightforward, intermediate milestones are deemed less critical.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

This project is a solo endeavor, and I will be the sole contributor to its successful implementation.

• Alexander MM Arons:
• LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-m-m-arons-0865378/
• Role: Project Lead
• Responsibilities: Comprehensive project management, technical execution, and strategic decision-making.

I am committed to handling all aspects of the project independently, ensuring focused and efficient execution. Proof of identity and project ownership will be readily available for any required verifications.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

While working in the commercial sector my gross yearly salary varied between 90K-120K euros. With current market prices 100K ADA would not be sufficient to cover this. However, as I am comitted to exploring this venture seriously, I am willing to contribute the remainder as an in-kind contribution. The ADA funds will also be used to cover hosting the website where the model will be publicly available, and to cover to open-access publication costs.

Let's assume a 100K EUR base salary for a year (which is an underestimation).

The following breakdown assumes opportunity costs in the commercial sector where I would otherwise be active.

100K/12 = 8.3K EUR per month.

The current market price of ADA/EUR = 0.42 (as on May 02 2024).

Thus, 8.3K EUR = 19762 ADA / month

Budgeting comes down to my planning and timelines:

• Initiation and Planning (1 month):
• Define clear and concise objectives.
• Identify key research questions for the scientific paper
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 8000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 11761

• Data Collection and Analysis (2 months):
• Literature research.
• Begin initial data cleaning and preprocessing.
• Conduct preliminary data analysis for the scientific paper.
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 16000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 23523

• Model Design and Initial Development (2 months):
• Focus on core simulation logic and algorithms.
• Develop a basic version of the model.
• Outline the methodology section of the scientific paper.
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 16000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 23523

• UI Design and Initial Development (2 months):
• Quickly design a functional interface.
• Develop the essential frontend and backend components.
• Document the user interface design for the paper.
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 16000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 23523

• Integration and Testing (2 months):
• Integrate the model with the UI.
• Conduct rapid testing and address critical issues.
• Begin drafting the results section of the scientific paper.
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 16000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 23523

• Documentation and Reporting (1 month):
• Prepare concise documentation for the model and UI.
• Develop essential visualizations and reports.
• Work on the discussion section of the scientific paper.
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 8000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 11761

• Review and Iteration (1 month):
• Conduct a quick review of the integrated system.
• Address immediate feedback.
• Revise the scientific paper based on initial findings.
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 8000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 11761

• Deployment and Finalization (1 month):
• Implement the integrated system on cardanohealthinnovation.com.
• Ensure the website is user friendly and functional.
• Prepare a condensed final report.
• Finalize the scientific paper and submit it to an open access journal.
• Cost in ADA from Fund12: 8000
• Cost in ADA in kind: 11761
• Cost: open access publishing fee: 3000-9000 ADA

•Open Access Publication (? months):

·        Address any revisions or feedback from the journal.

·        Ensure compliance with open access requirements.

·        Publish the scientific paper in the chosen journal.

•Website hosting

·        ~ 750 ADA / year

 

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The costs associated with this project have been meticulously calculated based on industry standards, my professional expertise, and the complexity of tasks involved. The breakdown includes my monthly commitment, which aligns with the average wage in my country for professionals in this field. The in-kind contribution reflects my dedication to making this project a success, ensuring a comprehensive and high-quality deliverable.

Additionally, the open access publication costs are in line with typical expenses for publishing in reputable scientific journals. The allocation of funds to each phase is proportional to the workload and critical aspects of the project, ensuring efficiency and value for money. This strategic budgeting is designed to maximize the impact of the microsimulation model and subsequent ecosystem, making it a cost-effective investment for the Cardano community.