Cortex Conversations: Insights in Neuroscience

Rare neurological diseases present unique challenges for clinical development, where progress is often limited not only by scientific complexity, but by gaps in meaningful, high-quality data. In this episode of Cortex Conversations, experts explore how aligning regulatory expectations with real-world patient and caregiver needs can help overcome these barriers. The discussion examines the critical role of natural history data in supporting external control arms and alternative trial designs, while also addressing the burden traditional site-based trials can place on patients—particularly in pediatric and neurodegenerative conditions. Participants share perspectives on emerging hybrid and decentralized approaches, the growing value of patient-driven data, and the collaborative efforts required to build natural history datasets that are both scientifically robust and practical for rare disease communities. Together, the conversation highlights a path forward for advancing research in rare neurological diseases through innovation, partnership, and patient-centered trial design.

Join Leone Atkinson, Fortrea’s Executive Medical Director of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, and Dr. John Huffaker from the Neuropsychiatric Research Center as they discuss the evolving landscape of Alzheimer’s clinical trials. Explore challenges in patient recruitment and retention, the role of caregivers, and how digital tools and AI are transforming at-home data collection. Learn why collaboration between CROs, sponsors, and research sites is key to advancing patient-centric trial design and improving outcomes.

Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea Participants: Abby Fuller, Senior Director of Strategic Delivery Growth in Neuroscience, Fortrea Walter Gonzalez, Associate Director, Digital Health and Innovation, Fortrea Haiyan Wei, SVP of Technology and Operations at AI Cure Description: From digital endpoint real-world examples to strategic insights, in this episode Fortrea’s Abby Fuller and Walter Gonzalez team up with Haiyan Wei, SVP of Technology and Operations at AI Cure to spotlight how neuroscience trials are turning this digital health innovation into real-world results. We go beyond the buzzwords to explore what’s actually working in the field with digital endpoints, when to invest, and how to choose the right partners. With honest lessons from the front lines and a look at what’s next, this episode is a practical guide for sponsors ready to move from pilot to scale. If you're aiming to make smarter, faster decisions in your neuroscience programs, this is the conversation that connects strategy with execution.

Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea Participants: Leone Atkinson, Executive Medical Director of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea Alicia Baker, Vice President, Head of Global Regulatory Strategy at Fortrea Description: Digital endpoints are no longer a future ambition—they’re shaping neuroscience trials today. In this episode, we explore how digital biomarkers are gaining traction, what regulators are saying, and how biotech leaders can confidently integrate these tools into their development strategies. With insights from the Neuroscience team at Fortrea, Amber Burg, Leone Atkinson, and Alicia Baker, we’ll unpack the current landscape, share real-world regulatory wins, and look ahead to what’s next, including AI and hybrid models. Whether you're just starting to explore digital endpoints or looking to push boundaries, this episode lays the groundwork for smarter, more precise neuroscience trials

Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea Participants: Leone Atkinson, Executive Medical Director of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Fortrea Robin Wolz, Chief Scientific Officer at Ixico Description: This episode features an insightful interview between Fortrea neuroscience leaders and experts from Ixico, focusing on novel imaging biomarkers in Parkinson's disease. Imaging biomarkers offer valuable insights into Parkinson's disease (PD) progression and can help distinguish it from other conditions. They can be used to identify the disease early, track its progression, and potentially improve clinical care and management.  We discuss the importance of selecting the right biomarkers and explore various imaging approaches that can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical trials. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how these innovations are shaping the future of neuroscience research.

Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea Participants: Joanie Brown, Head of Operations at our Rapid Development Studio AI/ML, Fortrea Mark Austin, Chief Technology Officer at Ixico Description: In this episode of the Fortrea neuroscience podcast, we explore how AI is transforming Parkinson’s research—from bold promises to practical breakthroughs. Fortrea’s Amber Burg sits down with Joanie Brown, Head of Operations at our Rapid Development Studio AI/ML and Mark Austin, CTO at Ixico, to unpack the evolving role of artificial intelligence in clinical trials. Together, they dive into how AI is being used to enhance imaging, accelerate trial timelines, and improve patient stratification in Parkinson’s disease. Listeners will hear real-world examples of AI-powered tools in action - from automated biomarker quantification to predictive modelling - and how these innovations are already delivering measurable gains in trial efficiency. The conversation also tackles the big questions around trust, transparency, and regulatory readiness, offering a candid look at what it takes to build confidence in AI-driven research. Whether you're navigating your first AI-enabled trial or scaling your next one, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives from the front lines of neuroscience innovation.