Walgreens and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) have joined forces to enhance decentralized clinical trials through the Decentralized Clinical Operations for Healthcare and Research (D-COHRe) program. This initiative aims to address challenges in accessing clinical trials and streamline research efforts over five years with a potential investment of up to $100 million.
The collaboration capitalizes on Walgreens’ extensive network of community pharmacies and robust clinical trial platform. This platform has engaged over five million potential participants, offering greater accessibility and diversity in clinical trials. By integrating clinical research into patients’ healthcare experiences, Walgreens enhances the efficiency and relevance of research conducted in real-world settings.
Walgreens’ ability to recruit diverse participants and meet enrollment goals positions them as an ideal partner for the D-COHRe program. Their comprehensive approach involves physical pharmacy locations and a digital platform, enabling patients to participate conveniently and remotely.
BARDA and Walgreens will collaborate to validate and implement new technologies and approaches for decentralized clinical research, including remote immunizations, diagnostics, and treatments. This collaboration aims to strengthen the United States’ capacity for clinical research and foster innovation in developing effective medical countermeasures for public health emergencies.
Traditional clinical trials often face delays and challenges due to enrollment difficulties. Decentralized models offer greater accessibility, reducing the 5% participation rate in clinical trials in the United States. By removing barriers and expanding access, decentralized trials accelerate the development and validation of life-saving products and treatments.
Walgreens’ commitment to making clinical research more efficient and accessible aligns with the goal of the D-COHRe program. This partnership represents a significant step towards transforming the healthcare research landscape and improving patient outcomes during routine healthcare journeys and public health emergencies.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Ferry, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
