MSD hopes Greenphire deal can Lyft study participation rates
US drug firm MSD has expanded its deal with trial payment tech firm Greenphire to offer the latter’s “ride-share” system to people taking part in studies.
The deal – financial terms of which were not disclosed – will see MSD use “Greenphire's ClinCard with rideshare integration for participants across its clinical development network.”
Time, travel, and out-of-pocket costs are often as major obstacles to clinical trial recruitment and retention.
According to one widely-cited 2018 study, the provision of transportation assistance could have a dramatic impact on participation rates.
The authors wrote “Coverage of non-medical out-of-pocket costs, such as lodging and transportation, through sponsor contracts can substantially reduce a patient’s financial burden.
“However, full coverage of nonmedical ancillary expenses associated with participation in clinical trials is rarely provided by the sponsor because of uncertain expectations of what such coverage entails and because of concerns about unduly inducing patient enrollment.”
Streamlined experience
In a press statement announcing the deal Kelly White, head of global trial optimization at MSD, also spoke about the need to reduce the financial burden of taking part in clinical trials as a factor.
"We are pleased to expand our agreement with Greenphire based upon our shared commitment to streamlining and improving the clinical trial experience for participants.
“MSD is dedicated to enrolling people in our clinical trials that appropriately reflect the patients we serve” white added.
Greenphire has offered ridesharing for the past few years in through a 2018 partnership with ride-hailing and vehicle hire organization Lyft.
Under the collaboration, Greenphire offered site coordinators the option to book a ride and execute a reimbursement or stipend for clinical trial participants through its ClinCard payment system solution.
The expanded deal is in keeping with the vision private equity firm Thoma Bravo outlined when it acquired Greenphire in 2021. It said it wanted to drive faster innovation, broaden the company’s products and solutions, and further expand Greenphire’s global client base.
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