title: Web-based trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolterodine ER 4 mg in participants with overactive bladder: REMOTE trial.
abstract: Participatory patient-centered, web-based methods could streamline and improve the convenience of clinical trial participation. We used an entirely web-based approach to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 4 (REMOTE) trial under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to evaluate tolterodine extended release (ER) 4 mg for overactive bladder.
  
  
  
  The trial was designed to replicate previous clinic-based trials of tolterodine ER but was conducted via the web from one clinical site overseen by physicians. Participants were recruited via the web, screened for eligibility using web-based questionnaires, had laboratory testing in their community, and entered a run-in phase requiring bladder e-diaries. Informed consent was obtained using an interactive web-based method with physician countersignature. Study medication was shipped directly to participants.
  
  
  
  With a goal of 283 randomized participants, 5157 registered on the trial website. Of 456 who passed initial screening, identification verification, and signed consent, 237 passed additional medical screening and were countersigned by the investigator. After laboratory testing, 118 entered the placebo run-in; only 18 passed e-diary assessments and were randomized to treatment. At week 12, the mean change from the baseline in micturitions/24 hours (primary endpoint) was -2.4 for tolterodine ER versus -0.8 for placebo [treatment difference (95% CI): -1.6 (-3.9, 0.6)].
  
  
  
  The REMOTE trial is the first entirely web-based trial conducted under an IND application. The efficacy observed was consistent with results from conventional trials. With simplification of multi-step screening and testing, web-based trials or their component parts should provide a participant-friendly approach to many clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, United Kingdom. Electronic address: miguel@orri.co.uk.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orri
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Craig H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lipset
authors.affiliation: University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Mytrus, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Bradly P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.affiliation: University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Costello
authors.affiliation: University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Mytrus, San Francisco, CA, USA; California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Cummings
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D040421:Cell Phone; D003408:Cresols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012107:Research Design; D000068737:Tolterodine Tartrate; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D064804:Urological Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D003408:Cresols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D064804:Urological Agents; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine; D000068737:Tolterodine Tartrate
keywords: Antimuscarinic; Electronic informed consent; Internet; Overactive bladder; Virtual randomized controlled trial; Web-based patient selection