This initiative will integrate select Walgreens community pharmacies as clinical trial sites, focusing on phase 3 trials for individuals grappling with obesity or being overweight, and type 2 diabetes. The collaboration seeks to break down barriers and foster representation, particularly among underrepresented communities among black and Hispanic adults in the US.
Ramita Tandon, chief clinical trials officer at Walgreens, emphasized the significance of the new model, she said: “This model not only provides foundational education on clinical research for patients but also empowers individuals, offering them a new pathway to engage in their healthcare through clinical trial participation.
“It’s a step forward in transforming the landscape of clinical research, helping to make clinical trials more inclusive and accessible.”
In addition to leveraging Walgreens’ pharmacy clinical trial centers, Boehringer Ingelheim will collaborate with EmVenio Research to introduce mobile research units, extending the reach and providing additional options for participation.
Lennart Jungersten, senior vice president of medicine and regulatory affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim US, expressed pride in the community-centric approach.
He said: “By bringing clinical trials into the heart of local communities, we’re making them more accessible, helping to provide access to diverse populations with pressing health needs to participate in our clinical trials.”
This innovative approach to clinical trial research holds promise in enhancing patient outcomes and setting new benchmarks for inclusivity. Walgreens will use advanced real-world insights to identify and engage potential study participants as part of the collaboration.
Thad Wolfram, president of EmVenio Research, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in clinical trials, stating, “By bringing clinical trials directly to local communities, we’re not just conducting research, we’re fostering inclusivity and diversity in clinical trials.”
The collaboration between Walgreens and Boehringer Ingelheim highlights a shared commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility and inclusivity, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.
Boehringer Ingelheim says its dedication to combating cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (C-R-M) diseases resonates deeply with its mission to enhance global health. With over 1 billion individuals affected by C-R-M diseases worldwide, Boehringer’s commitment to developing innovative solutions offers hope to countless lives. Their focus on interconnected health issues like obesity underscores the urgency of addressing these conditions, which claim up to 20 million lives annually. By prioritizing research and development, Boehringer aims to protect individuals from the dire consequences of C-R-M diseases, fostering a healthier and more equitable future for all.
The company says it is committed to human and animal health reflected in an extensive investment in research and development. With a global workforce of over 53,500 employees, it says its focus is on innovation and sustainability to address unmet medical needs.
EmVenio Research aims to advance clinical research by providing solutions to reach diverse and underrepresented communities. Through its global network of clinicians and research sites, it facilitates clinical research services to give all individuals equal access to transformative healthcare solutions.