theMednet Secures $2M NIH Grant to Revolutionize Cancer Clinical Trial Access with AI

theMednet Awarded $2M NIH Grant to Advance AI-Driven Cancer Clinical Trial Engagement

We’re thrilled to share that theMednet, one of Samudra Pacific’s longest-standing portfolio companies, has been awarded a $2 million contract by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to develop an AI-powered platform aimed at increasing physician engagement in cancer clinical trials. This groundbreaking project emphasizes diversity among trial participants and has the potential to transform how physicians identify and connect with relevant trials—an achievement we’re proud to support.

Transforming Clinical Trials Through AI

Founded in 2014, theMednet has become the leading question-and-answer platform for U.S. physicians, used by over 85% of oncologists seeking expert insights on challenging clinical questions. Now, with this grant, theMednet will further enhance its platform with AI-based technology designed to match physician inquiries with relevant clinical trials. As Dr. Nadine Housri, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, explains, this new approach provides a streamlined way for doctors to ask specific, practical questions—like “Would you consider circulating DNA assay in resected node-negative deficient MMR colon cancer to guide your treatment?”—and receive information about ongoing trials that could address those questions.

This initiative will simplify trial searches and provide real-time, personalized recommendations that align with a doctor’s specialty, location, and patient needs. This innovation is a significant leap forward from traditional, time-consuming trial searches, which often require physicians to interpret complex eligibility criteria. Brian Adams, Chief Technology Officer of theMednet, notes that using AI to match doctors’ inquiries with trials will allow for faster, more efficient patient access to promising therapies and an increased likelihood of engaging a diverse range of patients.

theMednet’s Mission and Impact

theMednet’s mission has always been to bridge the knowledge gap within the medical community, and this latest project highlights their commitment to making that mission a reality. By empowering doctors with the right information when they need it, theMednet improves patient outcomes and accelerates access to cutting-edge treatments. This grant will enable theMednet to expand its offerings and reach more doctors, increasing the diversity of patients who can benefit from trial participation.

At Samudra Pacific, we couldn’t be prouder of theMednet’s journey. This NIH grant represents a new chapter in their impact on healthcare, and we’re excited to see them continue transforming the future of cancer treatment and clinical trial engagement.