Our Motivations

The EQBMED Approach​

Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) seeks to ensure communities of color and rural residents have access to innovative clinical trials, so that those who may wish to participate in trials have opportunities to do so. A key element of EQBMED is supporting health care providers and clinical trial sites close to the community so that those sites can successfully offer clinical trials to their patient-base in a way that is sustainable and equitable.

Increasing diversity in clinical trials means treating each EQBMED site, city, community, physician, and participant as more than a metric. We are taking an intentional approach in our efforts, so we can establish trust and cultivate meaningful collaboration with communities.

Partnerships to Advance Clinical Trial Diversity

To create a more accessible clinical trials for Black and Brown communities and rural communities, we need to ensure the community needs are at the forefront, and work in partnership with a community-centric and community-aligned approach. Community organizations are experts in the communities they work and exist in, and have the trust and connections needed to make medical research easier to access. As partners in diversifying clinical trials, we can create a more meaningful and trusted experience, while addressing barriers to participate.

Forging a New Path

Many programs have tried to improve diversity in clinical trials, but Black and Brown communities are still often missing from these studies.

EQBMED is using a new approach to making a lasting and significant impact by creating its own unique way forward.

Forging a New Path

The Learning Phase includes:

  • Connecting Clinical Trial Sponsors: Bringing sponsors and local EQBMED-selected sites together to work as partners.
  • Sharing Key Learnings: Sharing important lessons learned from these partnerships.
  • Building Robust Infrastructure: Creating a strong support system that continues to support the growth and aspirations of local sites.