Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development Expands its Support in Texas

New Initiative to Boost Diversity in Clinical Trials Across the Lone Star State

In a significant move towards enhancing health equity, the collaborative effort known as Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) has announced its expansion into Texas. Led by Yale School of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, the Research Centers in Minority Institutions Coordinating Center (RCMI) at Morehouse School of Medicine, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, this initiative aims to bring clinical trial sites closer to underrepresented communities, thereby increasing diversity in medical research.

The Need for Change

Historically, communities of color have been overlooked in clinical trials, leading to a lack of representation and accuracy in medical research. This has resulted in treatments that often do not account for the unique health needs of these populations. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, the Henrietta Lacks case, and other such experiments have left lasting scars on the relationship between communities of color and medical research.

What is EQBMED?

Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development is a comprehensive effort to address these systemic barriers. By fostering a collaborative approach, EQBMED brings together diverse stakeholders, including patients, providers, industry leaders, technical experts, and community organizations. This multi-stakeholder model ensures that clinical trials are designed to meet the specific needs of underrepresented communities, thereby promoting inclusivity and health equity.

Expansion in Texas

The selection of the first four Learning Phase sites marks a significant milestone for EQBMED. These sites are strategically located in historically underserved communities across Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The partnerships include community-based trial sites in Atlanta, Florence, Houston, Galveston, and Nashville, which will serve as models for a scalable and sustainable clinical trial model.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is a cornerstone of EQBMED’s strategy. By engaging with local communities and addressing historical mistrust, the initiative aims to create a culture of trust and participation. Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, Associate Dean for Health Equity Research at Yale University, emphasized the importance of building trust with communities. “Advancing health equity means meeting individuals where they are, building trust, and responding to the needs of communities. This has continued to be a priority of the Yale School of Medicine,” she said.

Partnership with Industry Leaders

The involvement of biopharmaceutical companies like Amgen and Merck is crucial for the success of EQBMED. These companies will co-design strategies aimed at fostering closer collaborations and engagements with local communities. Amgen plans to enhance infrastructure, trial capabilities, and capacities at community-facing sites to improve diverse representation in clinical trials. Merck will work with community-facing sites to develop a clinical trial site assessment model, ensuring that each site is tailored to its unique needs and aspirations.

Impact and Future Plans

The work of EQBMED reflects the growing momentum behind efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in clinical trials. By addressing the systemic barriers that underserved patients often face, such as lack of outreach, patient mistrust, and insufficient clinical trial infrastructure, EQBMED is making real progress towards equitable access to clinical trials.

As the initiative continues to expand, it is expected to drive institutional change and better health equity. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and Texas Southern University (TSU) are among the institutions partnering in this national effort. Dr. Veronica Ajewole, Founding Director of the Community Engagement Core and Institute for Health Equity Advancement Research and Training at TSU, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “This endeavor will drive increased community engagement and outreach, student training, and further research and innovations aimed at advancing health equity,” she stated.

Conclusion

Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development's expansion into Texas marks a significant step towards transforming the landscape of clinical trials. By fostering a collaborative approach that addresses systemic barriers and promotes community engagement, EQBMED is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. As it continues to partner with industry leaders and community organizations, this initiative remains a powerful example of how collective efforts can lead to meaningful change in the field of medical research.

References

• EQBMED’s Multi-Stakeholder Model: https://phrma.org/en/resource-center/Topics/Press-Release/Equitable-Breakthroughs-in-Medicine-Development-Reaches-Next-Phase-Driving-Diversity-in-Clinical-Trials-in-Georgia-South-Carolina-Tennessee-and-Texas
• Clinical Trial Diversity: https://phrma.org/en/Equity/clinical-trial-diversity
• UTMB and TSU Partnering in EQBMED: https://www.utmb.edu/news/article/utmb-news/2024/02/26/equitable-breakthroughs-in-medicine-development-reaches-next-phase-driving-diversity-in-clinical-trials-in-georgia-south-carolina-tennessee-and-texas
• Amgen and Merck Join EQBMED: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/equitable-breakthroughs-in-medicine-development-eqbmed-to-work-with-inaugural-sponsor-companies-to-drive-greater-diversity-in-clinical-trials-302246462.html