Patient Recruitment Case Study: Hypothalamic Obesity

A phase 3 clinical trial evaluating efficacy and safety in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity

THE CLINICAL TRIAL
Hypothalamic obesity is a severe form of obesity that affects between 5,000 and 10,000 patients in the United States—and a roughly equal incidence and prevalence in the European Union. The disease develops after an injury occurs to the hypothalamus region of the brain, most often resulting from either a tumor or the surgery/radiation used to treat the tumor. Patients with HO develop rapid obesity characterized by sudden, severe, and sustained weight gain that is unresponsive to lifestyle or medical intervention.

THE PROJECT
This study provided a unique challenge—the Sponsor desired a suite of patient recruitment materials which could be used across an extremely broad age demographic internationally—with participants ranging from 4 years old and older. Our team approached this project with innovation in mind, creating one base study identity and overlaying a series of custom illustrations that could be added or removed from the final pieces depending on the age of the participant. Focusing on this unique study brand identity our team developed a platform across print, digital, and web that engaged participants of all ages to consider participating in this study.

Clinical study materials design for rare disease hypothalamic obesity patient recruitment

Study Branding

A strong study brand identity was essential for recruitment success as it differentiated the Transcend Studies from competing clinical trials, built trust with potential participants, and created a lasting impression among site staff. The unique dual-identity of this campaign created versatility for the Sponsor to deploy as-needed globally.

study toolkit materials for rare disease hypothalamic obesity patient recruitment

branding for rare disease hypothalamic obesity patient recruitment

illustrated materials for rare disease hypothalamic obesity patient recruitment

Custom illustrations

An integral aspect of our creative strategy was the development of a unique visual identity that not only captured attention in clinical settings but also encouraged potential participants to engage with the study team. Our in-house design team meticulously crafted a collection of custom illustrations that served as the cornerstone of the campaign, ensuring a consistent aesthetic across all countries involved in the studies.

Patient Populations

The study presented the unique challenge of creating, designing, and writing materials for two distinct participant populations—Ages 4–18 and ages 18+. Utilizing illustrations allowed our team to adapt standard visuals into something more focused for each participant population. For the younger demographic, we gamified our materials to include puzzles, mazes, and coloring opportunities designed to create authentic engagement. Our adult audience benefitted from a uniquely branded design that delivered clear expectations for study participation through visuals that tied the entire study together in a cohesive package.

Messaging

We messaged this study as a journey to explore a new drug combating hypothalamic obesity. Playing off the imagery of a hike or walk, we utilized language centered around finding your way and charting your progress for our youth populations. For our adult audience, we delivered a guided perspective to walk through the study together as partners.

Video Process

Utilizing our custom illustrations, we created a video that walked through the study and what patients could expect if they participate. Our team started with an outline that provided the main message of the video, delivered key frames for review, and produced a rough animatic to establish the flow and voiceover. We then implemented edits from the sponsor team and animated the final edition, delivering an easy-to-follow video with highly-engaging visuals designed to drive enrollments.

Story boards for rare disease hypothalamic obesity patient recruitment

Web design for rare disease hypothalamic obesity patient recruitment

Web Development

Creating the home for our video online meant delivering a clean user experience bolstered by concise reminders around key points of the study. The site our team designed for the Sponsor placed the video in a key position, creating a clear flow to interacting with the page and ending with a strong CTA designed to drive interaction between the visitor and the study team.