Taking Real-World Evidence Seriously, With IQVIA Consumer Health’s Volker Spitzer

While few doubt the opportunity represented by real-world evidence, some concerns remain about its validity compared to traditional forms of clinical evidence, particularly among regulators. To address these concerns, IQVIA Consumer Health’s vice president of global research and development and real-world evidence services, Volker Spitzer, suggests that incorporating some elements of traditional trials, such as randomization, is a good way to persuade regulators that RWE can be used for consumer health innovation, for example in generating new claims or supporting Rx-to-OTC switch. Looking forward, Spitzer is excited about the ways in which digital health tools and artificial intelligence can be used to expand the scope of RWE as well as drive personalization for consumers. Timestamps: 3:00 - Addressing concerns about RWE’s scientific rigour and validity 12:00 – Regulators’ views of RWE, particularly for consumer health 16:00 – Use of RWE for Rx-to-OTC switch 22:00 – The future of RWE Guest Bio: Volker Spitzer has more than 30 years of R&D experience spanning the consumer health sector, ingredients industry, and academia. Beginning his career as a professor in pharmaceutical sciences, he ascended to global positions encompassing R&D, innovation, licensing/M&A, and medical marketing at firms like Roche, DSM Nutritional Products, and Bayer. Since October 2017, Spitzer has been affiliated with IQVIA Consumer Health, serving as the vice president for global R&D and RWE Services. His purview primarily includes clinical research, RWE, virtual trials, and the burgeoning field of digital health. He has penned over 80 scientific publications, whitepapers and textbooks centered on science and innovation.