A Distributed Ledger Technology Design using Hyperledger Fabric and a Clinical Trial Use Case

Abstract

Industry continues to be challenged when attempting to share data among organizations, especially when the data comes from different database management systems (DBMS) and different DBMS schemas. Another concern is that privacy laws may require some types of data to be protected under local access policies. We describe a secure data sharing solution using Next-generation Database Access Control (NDAC) and the Data Block Matrix (DBM). A clinical trial data use case is discussed, as well as a description of a proof-of-concept implementation of the DBM using Hyperledger Fabric. The solution described allows data access where the data resides, rather than exchanging or being centrally stored. Additionally, it solves the conflict between conventional blockchain use and privacy regulations, by using a form of distributed ledger technology that meets ‘right to erasure’ requirements.