Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. is teaming up with the U.S. government to revolutionize clinical trials. The pharmacy giant has secured a $100 million deal to expand its decentralized clinical trial platform, aiming to make research more accessible and inclusive.
Walgreens’ decentralized clinical trial platform offers several advantages for both patients and researchers. For patients, it provides greater flexibility and convenience by allowing them to participate in trials closer to their homes and on their own schedules. This can help to increase enrollment rates, especially among underserved populations. For researchers, the platform streamlines the trial process by automating tasks such as patient recruitment, data collection, and monitoring. This can lead to faster trial completion and reduced costs.
By leveraging its vast network of pharmacies and patient data, Walgreens has demonstrated success in recruiting diverse participants and meeting enrollment goals – a significant challenge in the industry. This new partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the United States Department of Health and Human Services will focus on improving the efficiency and reach of clinical trials, ultimately accelerating the development of new treatments and therapies.
This collaboration comes as a response to the critical need for more representative clinical research. With nearly 80% of trials struggling to meet enrollment targets and only 5% of the U.S. population participating, Walgreens’ approach offers a promising solution.
Beyond the $100 million partnership, Walgreens and BARDA are also jointly conducting a Phase 4 observational COVID-19 trial to further enhance public health preparedness.
This strategic alliance positions Walgreens as a leader in clinical research, with the potential to significantly impact the healthcare industry and improve patient outcomes.
