Parexel has partnered with US pharmacy and clinic CVS Health and Javara to create a network to help sponsors access new patient populations.
The “Community Alliance Network” consists of clinics, community-based healthcare and research organizations. It builds on Parexel’s decade-long effort to establish a network of 500 clinical research institutions and 21,000 investigators in 20 countries.
Access to potential study participants remains a major hurdle for the drug trials sector according to Clare Grace, chief patient officer at Parexel.
“For too long, clinical research has been siloed in small pockets of the healthcare system. Not only has this slowed therapeutic innovation, it has limited patient access to clinical research as a care option.
“Providing patients more opportunities to access and participate in clinical research — through their physician’s office, in CVS MinuteClinics within designated HealthHUB locations, or through traditional academic sites or hospitals — is a critical and strategic decision.”
Outreach is key according to Javara CEO, Jennifer Byrne, who said current methods do “not effectively connect the majority of patients to clinical trial opportunities… and as a result, only a small percentage are currently aware of research as a potential care option.”
Byrne added “It is a privilege to join this program as an inaugural member to further bridge the gap between clinical research and clinical care and bring trials to those who need them most.”
For Tony Clapsis, SVP and General Manager of CVS Health’s Clinical Trial Services, the alliance is about informing about drug research.
“With our community presence across the US, we’re able to accelerate access to clinical trials, and at the same time help to address longstanding issues with recruitment and diversity.”
Creation of the network comes months after Parexel teamed up with decentralized trial technology firm Medable, in an agreement also focused on improving patient access to trials. It also follows hot on the heels of Medable’s agreement with CVS.
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