L.A SANTE, EPIDEMIOLOGIE, EVALUATION ET RECHERCHE L.A.S.E.R.

Their core work

LASER is a small Paris-based private company specialising in epidemiology, health data analysis, and real-world evidence generation — the kind of work that sits between clinical research and health policy. Their operating brand, Alpha-Epi, signals a focus on applied epidemiological methods rather than basic science. In their H2020 work they have contributed specialist epidemiology expertise to two large European consortia: one on incorporating real-world evidence into medicines development and regulatory decision-making (GetReal Initiative), and one on linking health records across systems for clinical benefit (HELICAL). Their practical value is in knowing how to design, analyse, and interpret studies using existing health databases — a skill in chronic short supply in large academic-led consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

With only two projects spanning 2018–2023, the evolution is directional rather than dramatic. Their first project (GetReal, 2018–2021) left no keyword trace, suggesting their contribution was methodological and embedded within a broader consortium agenda. Their second project (HELICAL, 2019–2023) is explicitly anchored to health record linkage — a more specific and technically demanding capability than general real-world evidence. The shift suggests a deepening into health data infrastructure and interoperability, moving from broad epidemiological advice toward hands-on health database work. If this trajectory continues, they are heading toward the intersection of epidemiology and digital health data engineering.

LASER appears to be moving from broad pharmacoepidemiology consulting toward specialised health data linkage — a high-demand skill as European health data spaces mature under EHDS legislation.

How they like to work

LASER has never coordinated an H2020 project — they join as participant or third party, playing a specialist support role within consortia led by others. Despite their small size, they have reached 40 unique partners across 11 countries, which means they enter large, well-networked projects rather than boutique collaborations. This pattern suggests they are brought in for a specific technical contribution (epidemiological design, data linkage methodology) rather than for project management or infrastructure.

LASER has built connections to 40 consortium partners across 11 countries through just two projects — an unusually broad reach for a 2-project SME, reflecting participation in large IMI2 and MSCA consortia that naturally bring together diverse European institutions. No strong geographic concentration is apparent beyond their French base.

What sets them apart

LASER occupies a rare niche as a private SME epidemiology practice that operates inside large academic and pharmaceutical consortia — most such expertise sits in universities or CROs. Their combination of real-world evidence methodology and health record linkage is directly relevant to the growing European Health Data Space agenda, where linking routine health data across borders is a central challenge. For a consortium needing credible epidemiological input without a full academic partner, LASER offers focused expertise at SME agility and cost.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GetReal Initiative
  A flagship IMI2 public-private partnership involving major pharmaceutical companies and regulators, focused on embedding real-world evidence into European medicines approval — LASER's participation signals recognition as a credible methodological contributor at the highest level of European health research.
• HELICAL
  An MSCA Innovative Training Network dedicated entirely to health record linkage, placing LASER at the intersection of the two most active fronts in European health data policy: interoperability and evidence generation.