Blockchain in Life Sciences

This book highlights the latest advances on the implementation and adaptation of blockchain technologies in real-world scientific, biomedical, and data applications. It presents rapid advancements in life sciences research and development by applying the unique capabilities inherent in distributed ledger technologies. The book unveils the current uses of blockchain in drug discovery, drug and device tracking, real-world data collection, and increased patient engagement used to unlock opportunities to advance life sciences research. This paradigm shift is explored from the perspectives of pharmaceutical professionals, biotechnology start-ups, regulatory agencies, ethical review boards, and blockchain developers. This book enlightens readers about the opportunities to empower and enable data in life sciences.

Dr. Wendy Charles serves as the Chief Scientific Officer for BurstIQ where she assists life sciences organizations understand and implement distributed ledger technologies for their research. She also serves as faculty for the University of Colorado Denver Business School in Health Administration. She has been involved in healthcare research for over 30 years as an Investigator, Research Site Director, Director of Research Regulatory Affairs, and Institutional Review Board Manager. To advance the scientific integrity of blockchain research, Associate Editor of the journal Frontiers in Blockchain, was instrumental in writing the blockchain research training material for the Government Blockchain Association, and participates in Colorado government blockchain initiatives for Higher Education. She was appointed to the European Union Blockchain Observatory and Forum, HIMSS National Blockchain Task Force and also currently serves as the Co-Chair of the IEEE Standards Working Group for Blockchain in Life Sciences Research. Dr. Charles obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Science with a specialty in Health Information Technology from the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. She is certified as an Institutional Review Board Professional, Clinical Research Professional, and Blockchain Professional.