By Irene Yeh

August 8, 2023 | The COVID-19 pandemic amplified a lot of existing weaknesses in the healthcare system, and clinical research was no exception: less than 5% of the nation partakes in clinical trials and 75% of those participants are white. This disparity indicates that drugs undergoing clinical trials don’t necessarily have the same effect on the rest of the American population, particularly those from ethnic and racial minority groups. To help overcome these issues, pharmacy retailer Walgreens stepped up to the challenge of increasing diversity in clinical trials by collecting patient data and matching them with compatible clinical trials. 

“We believe clinical trials are a holistic care option,” says Ramita Tandon, Chief Clinical Officer at Walgreens. “Particularly when standard of care is not a viable option for many patients that are trying to find ways to improve their health outcomes.” 

On the latest episode of the Scope of Things podcast, host Deb Borfitz speaks with Tandon about how her company has developed a system that matches patients with clinical trials and what they are doing to empower patients to take control of their healthcare needs. Tandon also shares her thoughts on how diversity plays a key role in helping researchers think more holistically throughout the entire trial process. 

Clinical Matchmaking Using Patient Data 

“As you think about clinical trials, the model itself is very antiquated—and it’s in crisis,” says Tandon. “The system level barriers that exist today in the clinical trial ecosystem often lead to disparities.” 

Walgreens has developed its own “patient-centric and inclusive” model of clinical trials, according to Tandon. It begins with the patient identification and acquisition process by collecting and analyzing data from hundreds of millions of patients and customers who regularly visit Walgreens stores, considering race, ethnicity, geographic location, and other social determinants of health. This information is then used to match the patient with compatible trials that may be beneficial for their healthcare needs. 

Tandon also mentions that this model is “more efficient and precise than sending out massive outreach campaigns” when recruiting trial participants, as the data collected provide insights on patients, pharmacy records, and clinical records. 

Providing Information and Resources 

Data collection is possible because many Walgreens pharmacies are already established in communities across the country. They have become go-to local resources of information, consultation, and other healthcare needs, maintaining relationships with the people who regularly enter their stores and use their services. 

“Pharmacies are reputable healthcare destinations,” says Tandon. “We want to offer accessibility and convenience.” 

Pharmacies have a unique opportunity to educate patients and customers about clinical trials and other treatment options. For example, during the pandemic, Walgreens and other pharmacy retailers were often the front-line source of trusted information and education about the COVID-19 virus and vaccinations, empowering people to take the vaccine. This same principle can also apply to clinical trials.  

Increasing Diversity in Clinical Trials 

According to Tandon, there is a “lion’s share” of customers at Walgreens who have never participated, been invited, or feel fear and distrust towards clinical trials. Active community engagement is going to be a pivotal part of tackling the issues surrounding diversity and clinical trials.  

Tandon also notes, “Diversity planning and being more inclusive should be more upstream in the whole R&D process. It can start as early as the scientists working through looking at ways at identifying the assets and looking at patient population.” 

Early planning influences the entire drug development process. It establishes foundational expectations of these trials and allows researchers to think more holistically throughout the phases. But it seems that Walgreens’ system is beginning to bridge the gaps between patients and providers. Tandon reports that, since the start of the program, there has been a tremendous uptake of patients wanting to learn more about clinical trials and enrolling in them. The pandemic provided the healthcare, medical, and pharmaceutical industries the impetus to ensure that patients can access the care they need.  

“Clinical trials should be viewed as a care option. That is our North Star,” says Tandon. “Our ultimate goal is to provide a flexible set of options to our patients.”