Patient research presents a unique set of challenges to market researchers. The language must be modified to be less technical and jargon-free, the pace and flow must be altered to more closely resemble a discussion rather than a research study, answers may be imprecise or contradictory and must be interpreted through that lens. However, as challenging as these problems may be, one of the biggest is accessing patients.
For years Cadence Market Research looked to panel companies to assist with identifying and recruiting patients for our studies. Often times, it was hit or miss depending on various factors. It was a vulnerable position to be in and so we decided to tackle it directly. Over time, Cadence developed a unique talent in leveraging social media to gain access to difficult to find patients. Our customized approach includes extensive background research, monitoring social media sites, and direct outreach. Our approach has proven so successful that panel companies have approached us with some of their most difficult searches.
We have worked on a variety of rare diseases including, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Periodic Paralysis, Pediatric NASH, Rett Syndrome, Pouchitis, Alport Syndrome, Cushings Syndrome, Leigh Syndrome, and Prader-Willi Syndrome.
RARE DISEASE EXPERTISE
Patient & Caregiver Panel Development
Our team specializes in building high‑quality patient and caregiver panels in underserved and hard‑to‑reach rare disease communities—areas where traditional panel companies often struggle or decline to engage. Through trusted outreach, relationship‑building, and tailored recruitment strategies, we create responsive, research‑ready panels that enable deeper insights and faster, more meaningful studies. Our proven success includes delivering on complex projects across several rare diseases.
Sugata is a Founder and Managing Principal of Cadence. He has over 20 years of experience in consulting and primary market research in the healthcare sector. In addition to his involvement as part of the senior management team, Sugata is actively involved in the market research group.
Sugata has extensive experience in managing and conducting all phases of qualitative and quantitative research. While at Cadence, in his role as a market researcher, Sugata has supported the launch of over eight brands, evaluated potential targets for acquisition and conducted numerous landscape studies. His experience spans across a number of different areas including gastroenterology, HIV, oncology and supportive care. He has extensive experience working with a wide variety of respondents including KOLs, community physicians, nurses and patients.
Previously, Sugata was a Vice President at Interactive Clinical Intelligence (an oncology focused market research agency). While at ICI, he opened and developed the Los Angeles office, and played an instrumental role in ICI’s acquisition by Medical Media Holdings. Prior to ICI, Sugata served in the market research group at Amgen. He also served as a consultant at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and The Wilkerson Group focusing on healthcare and telecommunications.
Sugata has a B.A. from University of Chicago (Honors in Economics), M.S. in Economics from Utah State University and an M.B.A. from Yale University.
MEET OUR
Patient & Caregiver
Research Team
Emily Anderson leads patient-centered research efforts at Cadence Communications & Research, where she focuses on engaging patients, caregivers, and rare disease communities to ensure their voices inform healthcare strategy and pharmaceutical research. With over 10 years of experience in healthcare and life sciences, Emily has supported qualitative and quantitative research across a range of therapeutic areas, with a particular focus on rare diseases, oncology, and caregiver engagement. She has led patient and caregiver recruitment efforts for complex studies and played a key role in building authentic connections that strengthen research outcomes. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal experience within the healthcare system, Emily brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and analytical insight to her work. She holds a BA in Photography from The Evergreen State College and regularly contributes to patient engagement and rare disease forums. Emily may be contacted at eanderson@cadenceresearch.com.
RARE DISEASE EXPERTISE
Patient Journey Research
We uncover real-world experiences that shape a patient’s path, from early symptoms and diagnostic hurdles to treatment decisions, daily management, and long‑term quality of life. By engaging directly with patients and caregivers, we illuminate the emotional, clinical, and practical realities that often go unseen in traditional research. Our approach blends deep qualitative insight with structured quantitative methods to reveal barriers, motivators, unmet needs, and opportunities for meaningful impact. These insights help teams design better therapies, support services, and communication strategies grounded in lived experience.
RARE DISEASE EXPERTISE
Symposium & Event Support
We support in‑person and online patient‑focused events, helping teams plan and deliver meaningful, well‑organized sessions that impact rare disease communities. We offer services ranging from event strategy and scientific content to create patient materials, media development, and end to end meeting logistics. Additionally, our team excels in recruiting thought leaders and coordinating speakers to ensure your programs elevate authentic patient and caregiver voices.
RARE DISEASE EXPERTISE
Qual and Quant Research & Recruitment
We design and execute tailored research that meet the unique needs of rare disease communities, supported by recruitment strategies built for hard‑to‑reach patient and caregiver populations. Using targeted outreach, social media activation, and trusted relationship‑building, we identify and engage the right participants quickly and thoughtfully. Our flexible approach ensures that every study, qualitative or quantitative, captures meaningful insights rooted in real patient experience.
Types of studies we support include:
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Patient journey and experience mapping
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ATUs and tracking studies
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In‑depth interviews
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Concept testing and message development
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Patient and caregiver segmentation studies
View our Case Study Here
