Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) to Collaborate with First Sponsoring Companies to Increase Diversity in Clinical Trials

Clinical research companies focusing on oncology and cardiovascular disease

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, September 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) is pleased to announce Amgen and Merck, known internationally as MSD, as sponsors. United States and Canada—joined efforts to enroll patients at local EQBMED clinical trial sites that participate in the science phase of the program. Both are global biopharmaceutical companies known for their commitment to healthcare innovation and advancing the diversity of clinical trials. EQBMED is led by Yale Medical School, Morehouse School of MedicineResearch Center Coordinating Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI-CC) Morehouse School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, financed by a PhRMA grant.

Biopharmaceutical companies are a key part of EQBMED; they sponsor clinical trials that can lead to potential innovations. EQBMED acts as a link between sponsoring companies and local, community-based clinical research centers.

Amgen and Merck will jointly develop strategies to promote closer collaboration and engagement of local EQBMED research sites and communities. This pilot allows participating institutions to work with patients, providers, industry leaders, technical experts and the community at large to bring clinical trials to underrepresented and underserved patients.

Part of Amgen’s commitment is to improve infrastructure, expand research capabilities and increase the capacity of community-facing sites to increase diversity representation in clinical trials.

Merck will work with community-facing sites to develop a model for evaluating clinical trial sites, and will provide a patient navigator and transportation support to help participants mitigate travel barriers.

Doctor Darryl DreamMD, Director of Global Public Health, Amgensaid EQBMED is innovative because it brings together all stakeholders in the clinical research ecosystem to have a long-term impact on the community.

“Ensuring equitable representation in clinical trials requires collaborators who share a common goal,” Sleep said. “This partnership is an important step in breaking down barriers so we can focus on the critical task of improving the health of patients with serious diseases, especially those who are disproportionately affected. Amgen is committed to conducting clinical trials that represent all patients with the diseases we seek to treat.”

Doctor Luther ClarkMD, FACC, FACP, Executive Director, Global Medical and Scientific AffairsMerck Research Laboratoriesechoed these sentiments, adding, “At Merck, we understand the transformative impact of diversity in clinical research. Our collaboration with EQBMED allows us to strengthen our efforts and drive meaningful change in biopharmaceutical research. By working together, we can learn from each other and increase our knowledge in a joint effort to help close the equity gaps in healthcare. This collaboration allows us to leverage our collective knowledge, individual experiences, our learned and shared insights, and work toward influencing and advancing healthcare outcomes to improve communities. The goal of our collaboration is to help advance investigational medicines research for a broader and more diverse group of patients.”

“The partnership with industry leaders Amgen and Merck is a key milestone in EQBMED’s mission to establish a sustainable clinical research ecosystem. These partners understand the importance of tailoring clinical trials to each site’s maturity, unique aspirations and community priorities. Merck and Amgen are exemplary sponsors,” he says. Doctor Marcella Nunez-SmithMD, MHS, Associate Dean for Health Equity Research and Professor of Internal Medicine, Public Health, and Management at CNH Long Yale University“We look forward to welcoming additional sponsor partners in our efforts to achieve and maintain clinical trials representation.”

“The announcement by Merck and Amgen is an exciting step forward for EQBMED,” he said. Stephen J. UblPresident and CEO of PhRMA“Our member companies join local facilities and community partners who are dedicated to building a local, community-based infrastructure that supports clinical research diversity.”

EQBMED’s work reflects the growing momentum to advance diversity and inclusion in clinical research. Stay tuned for future announcements as we continue to engage with leaders in the community, academia, and industry.

For more information, visit: EQBMED.org

On breakthroughs in the development of medicine

Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) is a pioneering partnership that aims to transform the clinical research landscape by promoting diversity, transparency, and knowledge. This collaborative partnership is led by Yale Medical School, Morehouse School of MedicineCoordination Center for Research Centers in Minority Institutions Morehouse School of MedicineAND Vanderbilt University Medical Center, supported by grants from PhRMA. By strengthening communities and addressing historical disparities, the program is dedicated to creating a more inclusive future in medical advancement. Learn more at EQBMED.org.

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SOURCE: Breakthroughs in the Development of Medicine (EQBMED)