UK-based EMS Healthcare and US counterpart EmVenio Research have teamed to create a network of mobile clinical trial sites.
The collaboration – financial terms of which were not disclosed – will facilitate EmVenio’s expansion into the UK using EMS’ mobile clinics which it says will allow it to recruit a more diverse range of people to take part in studies.
EMS has identified 10 potential mobile site locations, each of which will be supported by a dedicated local workforce. EmVenio will be responsible for full clinical oversight, along with all clinical trial operations and data management. The first site will open this year.
Keith Henthorne, CEO of EmVenio, said: “People living in underserved communities often have limited time and access to participate in potential life-improving clinical trials, often leaving a gap in research studies.
“EMS have proven experience of delivering care and conducting research in the heart of communities, removing barriers and accelerating trials – all of which aligns with our goals. With their support, we are now able to expand our footprint across the UK and increase the diversity of clinical trial participation to reflect the population more accurately.”
EMA CEO, Keith Austin, also said improving clinical trial diversity as a major focus for the partnership, citing the results of a recent UK Government study which suggested drug research should involve a wider cross section of the population.
“We are delighted to be partnering with EmVenio on this exciting development for clinical trials in the UK. A recent independent review of commercial clinical trials by Lord James O’Shaughnessy acknowledged the crucial role of mobile clinics in carrying out trials with more diverse participation.
“We believe this initiative will attract more pharmaceutical sponsors to carry out trials, which will have a significant impact on both the economy and the health of our population.”
EmVenio currently operates clinical research programs in 10 mobile community sites across the US.
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