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The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program Announces the Second Group of Physicians to be Trained in the $114 Million Program

64 physicians comprise Cohort II, bringing the total to 116 participants in the program’s second year

(PRINCETON, N.J., October 25, 2022) - The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF), together with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Gilead Sciences, Inc., today announced that an additional 64 physicians have been selected to receive the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award (Winn CDA). 

The Winn CDA is one of two awards offered by the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program announced in November 2020, which aims to train, develop and mentor more than 580 diverse and community-oriented clinical trialists and medical students by 2027. 

"Clinical trials are at the heart of all medical advances - from detection to treatment,” said Robert A. Winn, M.D., director and Lipman Chair in Oncology, VCU Massey Cancer Center and Chair of the Winn Award Program National Advisory Committee, after whom the program was named (April 2022). “Putting our oath as physicians into action, we must approach clinical trials in a safe and effective manner, which considers patients from diverse communities and backgrounds. In doing so, people from all walks of life will be able to benefit from scientific advances and treatment.”

The 64 physicians selected by an independent national review committee are from a broad range of healthcare institutions in 22 states across the U.S. These Winn Scholars -- 41 women and 23 men -- represent a diverse cross section of races and ethnicities and bring a widely varied perspective to the program, practicing in the therapeutic areas of cancer (hematologic or solid tumors), immunologic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. They join the 52 physicians awarded to the two-year program in November 2021. 

“The Winn Award Program is a priority of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation not only due to our longstanding commitment to health equity, but also because we understand that more inclusive and diverse clinical trials will lead to better science and patient outcomes,” said John Damonti, president, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. “We are mindful that advancing diversity in clinical trials is a long-term initiative whose success depends on deep engagement at the community level. As we enter the program’s second year, we are humbled by the reception and support it has received, and we look forward to expanding the collaboration with others in the private and public sectors who are interested in joining this movement.” 

Through the Winn Award Program’s Winn CDA, physicians are being trained as world-class clinical research scientists with additional knowledge, skills and competencies in effective community outreach and engagement. The Winn Award Program also offers an award to medical students who are underrepresented in medicine (URM), called the Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP). The Winn CIPP provides a six-week summer service-learning externship in community-based clinical research sites, where students benefit from exposures to clinical research, community engagement experiences and leadership development. Together, the two awards aim to develop a current and future workforce with the potential to transform the clinical research landscape by conducting clinical trials designed with the goal of increasing the diversity of their participants.

“We are excited to have a second cohort of scholars enter this pioneering program through which they will be trained to utilize their skills and passion to enhance diversity in clinical research,” said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), chief executive officer of the AACR. “The Winn Award Program embodies AACR’s commitment to advancing equitable cancer research for the benefit of all patients.”

Unique collaboration focuses on increasing diversity in clinical trials

The Winn Award Program was created in 2020 with a $100 million pledge by the BMSF as part of its commitment to health equity, inclusion and diversity. The Foundation selected the AACR as a curriculum partner to develop the BMSF-AACR intensive Design and Implementation of Clinical Trials Workshop, which is the first training the Winn CDA Scholars receive. VCU serves as the program implementation partner under the direction of Winn. Gilead Sciences is a program supporter, committing $14 million to sponsor a total of 40 Winn CDAs and 40 Winn CIPP awards through 2027. The program partners encourage others in the health care industry to consider participating as faculty and/or sponsors. The application process for the third cohort of the Winn CDA will open January 3, 2023. Interested parties can learn more about the program at diversityinclinicaltrials.org and contact the team at winnawardinfo@vcu.edu. 

“Gilead is committed to improving diversity in clinical trials and advancing health equity. Leveraging insights from our more than 30 years of experience in clinical trials, we are engaging with diverse patients, communities, researchers and clinicians in trial design, planning and management,” said Merdad Parsey, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Gilead Sciences. “We are proud to collaborate with partners through programs like the Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award to increase awareness, education and interest in clinical trials across the diverse communities we serve, especially those that have been underrepresented in clinical trials.”

About the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation 

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization, focuses on communities most at risk of suffering the impacts of serious diseases in regions of the world that are hardest hit. It empowers partners to develop and test innovative solutions to advance health equity and improve access to quality healthcare for patients. Grant making focuses on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immunologic disease, as well as clinical trial diversity in the United States, and prevalent cancers in nine African countries, Brazil and China. The mission of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is to promote health equity and improve the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases by strengthening healthcare worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services and mobilizing communities in the fight against disease. For more information, visit Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (bms.com).

About VCU and VCU Health

Virginia Commonwealth University is a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research. Located in downtown Richmond, VCU enrolls nearly 29,000 students in 238 degree and certificate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities. Twenty-three of the programs are unique in Virginia, many of them crossing the disciplines of VCU’s 11 schools and three colleges. For more, please visit vcu.edu and vcuhealth.org.

About the American Association for Cancer Research

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 52,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 130 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting. In addition, the AACR publishes 10 prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

About Gilead Sciences, Inc. 

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

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By Annie Harris and Blake Belden

VCU Massey Cancer Center

Virginia Commonwealth University announced Wednesday that it is partnering with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and working alongside the American Association for Cancer Research and Gilead Sciences Inc. to lead the implementation of the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program, a national program created to transform the clinical research landscape with the goal of increasing diversity in clinical trials. Initiated in 2020, this five-year program was established by the BMSF with a $100 million commitment to train and develop community-oriented clinical trialists. In April 2021, Gilead Sciences joined as a program supporter with a funding commitment of $14 million. The Winn Awards program is based out of VCU Massey Cancer Center under the direction of Robert A. Winn, M.D., the center’s director and Lipman Chair in Oncology.

Originally launched as the BMSF Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program, the program was renamed in honor of Winn, a leader in establishing a 21st century model for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the oncology workforce. Winn has been nationally recognized for community engagement efforts in promoting new approaches to building trust among populations previously disenfranchised from health care or excluded or abused by research. The only African American director of a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center when he was appointed in 2019, Winn also serves as chair of the National Advisory Committee and his vision and guidance were instrumental in shaping the program.

“We cannot eliminate health disparities if clinical trial participants don’t reflect the diversity of our population,” Winn said. “This collaborative effort will allow us to support the education and careers of students and physicians who will play a crucial role in ensuring that we can offer everyone — no matter their background or geography — equal access to the latest treatments, and that we connect the needs of the community with the research we perform.”

The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program includes two awards: the Robert A. Winn Career Development Award (Winn CDA) for early-stage investigator physicians who are from diverse backgrounds and/or committed to increasing diversity in clinical trials, and the Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP) for medical students who are underrepresented in medicine. The program aims to train, develop and mentor more than 290 diverse and community-oriented clinical trialists and 290 medical students by 2027.

Through the program, participants will be trained as world-class clinical research scientists with additional knowledge, skills and competencies in community outreach and engagement strategies to effectively partner with communities throughout the research continuum. These physician investigators will have the potential to transform the clinical research landscape by conducting clinical trials designed with the goal of increasing the diversity of their participants.

The awardees represent a diverse cross section of races and ethnicities and bring a widely varied perspective and range of experiences to the program, as well as to their research focus in the therapeutic areas of cancer (hematologic and solid tumors), immunologic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The program aspires to build a national network of individuals committed to clinical trial diversity across the clinical research landscape. It includes a multilevel mentorship model that is designed to ensure that Winn scholars and students have access to supportive mentors and further provides them with an opportunity to serve as a mentor. The Winn CDA scholars are paired in mentoring relationships with established senior clinical investigators and also serve as mentors to Winn CIPP students.

“The support and community provided to this diverse group of physician scientists and students offers them a pathway to career advancement and opportunities for growth that they may not have otherwise encountered,” said Joy L. Jones, Ph.D., chief program officer of the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program. “The enthusiasm and genuine interest from academia, industry, government and communities to see this program succeed have been incredibly heartening. It is exhilarating to see the passion and intelligence the awardees bring to bear on our shared mission to build community trust and increase diversity in clinical trials.”

52 physicians from across the U.S. selected for the inaugural cohort of the five-year, $100 million initiative. Initiative is part of the BMS Foundation commitment to health equity and diversity and inclusion made last year. Applications are also now open for second cohort to begin in October 2022.

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF), together with its partners, National Medical Fellowships (NMF) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), today announced the first group of 52 physicians selected for its Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program (BMSF DCTCDP). The 52 early-stage investigators are the first of 250 community-oriented clinical trialists who will be trained through the program by 2027. 

The 52 physicians selected by an independent selection committee are an accomplished group working at a broad range of healthcare institutions in 22 states across the U.S. The physicians include 34 women and 18 men who represent a diverse cross section of races and ethnicities and bring a widely varied perspective and range of experiences to the program, as well as to their therapeutic focus areas of cancer (hematologic or solid tumors), immunologic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

“I’m awed by this inaugural group of clinicians, who have demonstrated their passion for and dedication to addressing the disparities in clinical research through community engagement,” said Robert A. Winn, M.D., Director, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Chair of the National Advisory Committee of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program. “And, I’m confident that when they complete this program, these scholars will have the skills not only to conduct high impact clinical trials, but also to work within communities to build trust with at-risk populations, getting past the fear and skepticism that can often exist, to give the underserved better access to this important tool in healthcare research.”

The BMSF DCTCDP was launched as one of a number of different health equity and diversity and inclusion commitments made last year by the Foundation and its donor, Bristol Myers Squibb.

Building on the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation’s legacy of promoting health equity and improving the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases, the BMSF DCTCDP was launched to address the lack of diversity in clinical trials in the U.S. In fact, evidence shows that nearly 80% of patients taking part in clinical trials are white.

Through the BMSF DCTCDP, participants will be trained as world-class clinical research scientists with additional knowledge, skills and competencies in effective community outreach and engagement. This new generation of physician investigators will have the potential to transform the clinical research landscape by conducting clinical trials designed with the goal of increasing the diversity of their participants.

A Unique Program Focused on Long-term Outcomes 

“The ultimate aim of this program is to improve public health through the development of therapeutics for all populations,” said Michellene Davis, Esq., President and CEO of NMF. “To truly bring about the change we want and need, we must accept the clarion call to eliminate systemic and structural racism that contribute to racial disparities in healthcare. ​NMF is proud to serve as implementation partner and one of the curriculum partners in this transformative initiative, contributing substantially to its concept, design, development, and management. Community-oriented, equity-minded health professionals are needed more than ever to address the historical causes of mistrust in healthcare systems and increase the engagement and participation of underserved populations.”

The multi-dimensional program is uniquely designed to foster clinical and translational research that is community-informed, designed and conducted. Participants receive training in evidence-based methods of community outreach and engagement. They participate in a multi-level mentorship model with established community-based Principal Investigators and with medical students through a major component of the program called the Clinical Investigator Pipeline Program (CIPP). The CIPP is an intensive summer service-learning externship that exposes promising rising second year medical students who are underrepresented in medicine to the basics of clinical trials and to working in underserved community health settings to provide outreach, education and engagement on clinical trials.

“Many aspects of the Winn Career Development Awards make it unique,” said Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health. “Its focus on helping clinical trialists become experienced in community engagement research methods is key to developing the trust necessary to realize an increase in clinical trial participation by people of color, yet we have not seen this in any other program of this kind. The program is also designed for long-term impact -- engaging both practicing clinical trial physicians and diverse medical students, developing mentoring relationships that will build a pipeline of clinicians that are skilled in clinical trial diversity. All of these elements are rarely found.”

John Damonti, president, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, said that the response to the BMSF DCTCDP has been overwhelming. “The number of applicants exceeded our expectations, as did the stellar credentials of the physicians who applied. In fact, we expanded the cohort to include as many of these exceptional candidates as possible.” He added that the BMSF DCTCDP is a significant priority for the Foundation, which has been working for decades to improve health equity in the United States and around the world. “I could not be more pleased that we are realizing our vision for this program.”

“We are thrilled to contribute in a major way to this extraordinary program,” said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), Chief Executive Officer of the AACR. “This educational workshop will provide these early-career physicians with the remarkable opportunity to interact with and be mentored by leading clinical investigators, as well as leading biostatisticians and community engagement experts to learn the principles of excellent clinical trial design, and to develop the skill sets needed for building community networks. This program, along with the long-term mentorship offered to the participants, will prepare them to become independent clinical trialists and have the overarching benefit of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

The first cohort of scholars will begin their two-year participation in October 2021 with a program orientation, followed in early November by a six-day intensive educational workshop on clinical research, called BMSF-AACR Design and Implementation of Clinical Trials Workshop.

Applications for Future Participants – Cohort II Physicians and Cohort I Medical Students 

Letters of intent are being accepted now through January 14, 2022 for the second cohort of clinical trial physicians. For medical students, the application period for the CIPP will open on November 15, 2021, and close on January 28, 2022. Interested applicants can learn more and apply by visiting the program website at www.diversityinclinicaltrials.org. 

About the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation 

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization, focuses on communities most at risk of suffering the impacts of serious diseases in regions of the world that are hardest hit. It empowers partners to develop and test innovative solutions to advance health equity and improve access to quality healthcare for patients. Grant making focuses on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immunologic disease, as well as clinical trial diversity in the United States, and prevalent cancers in nine African countries, Brazil and China. The mission of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is to promote health equity and improve the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases by strengthening healthcare worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services and mobilizing communities in the fight against disease. For more information, visit Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (bms.com). 

About National Medical Fellowships 

Seeking to empower and support aspiring physicians and health professionals underrepresented in medicine to contribute to the health of our nation, National Medical Fellowships’ mission is to provide scholarships and support for students underrepresented in medicine and the health professions.

Founded in 1946, NMF is one of America’s first diversity organizations. Today, as the only national organization solely dedicated to providing scholarships to medical and health professions students in all groups underrepresented in healthcare, NMF is reducing healthcare disparities by creating new generations of clinicians and healthcare leaders who are dedicated to realizing health equity.

NMF is supported by a national network of more than 32,000 Alumni who serve tens of millions of patients annually. Together we continue to move health equity forward as we build the next generation of diverse healthcare leaders. For more information about NMF, please visit www.nmfonline.org.

About the American Association for Cancer Research

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes 49,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 128 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops—the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting, with more than 74,000 attendees for the 2020 virtual meetings and more than 22,500 attendees for past in-person meetings. In addition, the AACR publishes nine prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

Footnote

1. https://www.fda.gov/media/143592/download

About Bristol Myers Squibb Company

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

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media@bms.com

Source: Bristol Myers Squibb 

Initiative will train 250 new clinical investigators and work within communities to build capacity to serve underrepresented patient populations.

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and National Medical Fellowships today announced that they have entered into a partnership aimed at improving diversity in clinical trials. Leveraging $100 million of the previously announced commitment from Bristol Myers Squibb and the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to diversity and inclusion, the partnership will develop a program to extend the reach of clinical trials into underserved patient populations in urban and rural U.S. communities. This program will train and develop 250 new clinical investigators who are racially and ethnically diverse or who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials, and it will expose 250 promising, underrepresented minority medical students across the country to clinical research career pathways. Additionally, the program will assist program investigators in building capacity and standing up new clinical trials sites in communities with diverse and heavily burdened patient populations.

The need for diversity in clinical trials

“Clinical research is necessary to generate evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of new treatments,” said Robert Winn, M.D., Director, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, who is serving as chair of the national advisory committee of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program. “While the patient response to medical therapies may differ across racial and ethnic subgroups, clinical trials often fail to represent the demographic diversity of the populations that these products aim to serve. I am proud to serve as an advisor to this program, which will support improvements toward diverse representation in clinical research and promote health equity.”

In fact, aggregated data on the racial and ethnic participation in clinical trials published by the FDA show that in general 80% of patients taking part in clinical trials are white. Black Americans represent 13%1 of the US population but only reflect about 7%2 of participants in clinical trials.

John Damonti, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation added, “Science demonstrates that we must diversify clinical trials in order to improve health outcomes and advance health equity. We are pleased to partner with National Medical Fellowships so that this effort will benefit from their decades of experience and unmatched expertise. Together, we will tap the often overlooked but powerful resource of racially and ethnically diverse physicians or other physicians who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials, working in academic medical centers, community-based practices and Federally Qualified Health Centers. These physicians are established in their communities, and no one is in a better position to build trusting relationships with patients than they are.”

“Diversity has a role to play in the entire lifecycle of therapeutic development, from the trial design and community engagement, to therapeutic efficacy and adoption,” said Sandra Nichols, M.D., Chairperson, National Medical Fellowships Board of Directors. “National Medical Fellowships has a vision to promote equity of access to quality healthcare for all groups in American society. Advancing diversity in clinical trials is a critically important component of this effort, and our partnership with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is consistent with our mission.”

About the program

The goal of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program is to increase diversity of patients enrolled in clinical trials, and ultimately enhance the development of therapeutics for all populations. The program will collaborate with communities to facilitate an approach to clinical and translational research that is community-informed, designed and conducted. It will provide the sponsorship, support and tools that emerging investigators need to conduct clinical trials that will yield the development of new treatments that are effective in all populations.

How to apply

Applications will open in January 2021. Eligible candidates will hold the degree of MD, MD/PhD, DO or DO/PhD and have an interest in clinical research in the areas of cancer (hematology and oncology), cardiovascular disease and immunologic disorders. In addition, they will reflect the NIH definition of Early Stage Investigator and the NIH definition of underrepresented populations in the U.S. Biomedical, Clinical Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Enterprise, or have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials. To learn more about eligibility and program details, please email DCTCDPinfo@nmfonline.org.

About the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation is committed to improving the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases by strengthening healthcare worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services, and addressing unmet medical need.

National Medical Fellowships

Seeking to empower and support aspiring physicians and health professionals underrepresented in medicine to contribute to the health of our nation, National Medical Fellowships’ mission is to provide scholarships and support for underrepresented minority students in medicine and the health professions.

Founded in 1946, NMF was one of America’s first diversity organizations. Today, as we come together to celebrate our diversity with joy and new purpose, NMF remains the only national organization solely dedicated to providing scholarships to medical and health professions students in all groups underrepresented in healthcare.

NMF is supported by a national network of Alumni who serve tens of millions of patients annually. Their experience inspires us and gives voice to our mission.

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1 https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/2010_census/cb11-cn125.html
2 https://www.fda.gov/media/143592/download

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Source: Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Launches Program to Tackle Diversity Problem in Clinical Trials

Over the last several months, the pandemic has amplified calls for more diverse clinical trials.

While minority populations are contracting Covid-19 at higher rates than white Americans, they are notably underrepresented in clinical trials. Black Americans make up 13% of the US population, but only 7% of participants in clinical trials, according to the FDA. And they’re being infected with Covid-19 at a 2.6 times higher rate than white Americans.

“The importance of diversity in the clinical trials for the vaccines is just another spotlight on an issue that’s been going on for decades,” John Damonti, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, told Endpoints News. 

On Tuesday, the foundation launched a new program with the nonprofit organization National Medical Fellowships and backed it with $100 million to help clinical trials reach underserved populations. The program consists of three parts: a training component for 250 new clinical investigators, fellowships for 250 minority medical students, and an infrastructure fund to help investigators build new clinical trial sites.

The new sites, he said, would ideally go “in clinical trial deserts where … the disease burden is high but clinical trials don’t exist in those sites, or even look to building out in urban centers through safety net hospitals and others.”

Principal investigators will mentor the new clinical investigators who will mentor the medical students, who will work in federally qualified health centers, safety net hospitals and other medical centers in their communities.

“At the end of the day, even if you have 250 diverse clinical investigators, if they’re not actively working in the communities to build those relationships and build that trust, the program will not be as successful as it potentially could be,” Damonti said.

The money comes from a $300 million commitment that Bristol Myers Squibb and its foundation made back in August for health equity, diversity and inclusion efforts. National Medical Fellowships will help with implementation, such as managing components of the application process and an independent advisory board.

Applications will open in January for clinical investigators, and Damonti expects the first class to begin sometime in September.

“While the patient response to medical therapies may differ across racial and ethnic subgroups, clinical trials often fail to represent the demographic diversity of the populations that these products aim to serve,” said Robert Winn, director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and chair of the national advisory committee of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation’s new program.

Black Americans made up 20% of participants in the NIAID-funded ACTT-1 trial of remdesivir, according to a New England Journal of Medicine piece. And Latinx and Native Americans, who are at a 2.8 times higher risk of infection than white Americans, made up 23% and 0.7% of the ACTT-1 participants, respectively.

The issue isn’t unique to the pandemic. Out of 230 trials leading to FDA oncology OKs in the last decade or so, Black and Latinx participants were “underrepresented… relative to their proportion among the US cancer population,” according to a piece published in JAMA last year.

“The real outcome, and the impact of this program is going to be measured by the role that these individuals can play in terms of attracting diverse patient populations into clinical trials. That’s what this program has been created to do,” Damonti said. “We just want to make sure that the end of the day it’s the patient that gets into the trial.”

By Nicole DeFeudis, Associate Editor, Endpoints News

View Source Version on Endpoints News at: https://endpts.com/bristol-myers-squibb-foundation-launches-program-to-tackle-diversity-problem-in-clinical-trials/

BMS Earmarks $100M of its $300M Equity Pledge for Diverse Clinical Trial Investigators

The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation has been tackling health inequities around the world for 20 years, but nowhere has it come more quickly and sharply into focus than in the U.S. this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately marginalizing communities, vaccine trials that couldn’t recruit enough people of color, the murder of George Floyd in May and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement all at once shone a spotlight on the chronic problem in the U.S.

To help fight that problem, BMS in August pledged $300 million over the next five years, and this week, it earmarked $100 million of that sum for the Foundation and its partner National Medical Fellowships to build a program to train 250 new clinical investigators from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

RELATED: Bristol Myers Squibb takes on racial inequality with $300M pledge to up diversity, improve healthcare access

The 250-person clinical trial investigators program will begin accepting applications in January, with candidates for the two-year program chosen by September. The first year is dedicated to training, while the second will pair them as mentors to minority medical students.

“What’s going to be successful for us is not that we’ve been able to train 250 diverse investigators—it really is putting in the metrics and the measurement to understand, 'What have these 250 diverse investigators done at the community level to increase patient participation in trials?'” John Damonti, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, said.

“We all know that people have really strong empathy and support and can have a more open dialogue and trust with people who look like them, and that’s what we really need to try to get at,” he added.

The foundation also received an additional $50 million of the original allotment to spend in the U.S. on ongoing and new efforts. Already, $14 million has been allocated this year to new initiatives, including a program in Chicago with health education outreach in barber shops and beauty salons and another program that will be deployed in big cities to better diagnose prostate cancer in African-American men, Damonti said.

RELATED: J&J, following BMS, pledges $100M to address racism and health inequities

BMS isn’t alone in the industry in working to tackle inequities. Johnson & Johnson this week pledged $100 million over the next five years, earmarked to help communities and people of color, and made a commitment to increasing internal hiring of Black executives by 50%.

And earlier this year, Gilead Sciences teamed with Morehouse School of Medicine to sponsor research around demographic disparities in health. Roche’s Genentech, meanwhile, ran a survey that found wide-ranging disparities in healthcare experiences among Black, Latinx and other disadvantaged groups and is using that data to inform its efforts.

“People have come to the awareness this year that not only are these profound issues, but we need to do something about it. It’s not just Bristol Myers Squibb’s $300 million commitment, but also Microsoft and J.P. Morgan Chase and others,” Damonti said. "It’s heartening for me having worked on these issues with the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation for 20 years to see it now as a part of, 'How do we think about who we are as a company, and what do we look like as a company?'”

By Beth Synder Bulik, Senior Editor, Fierce Pharma 

View Source Version on Fierce Pharma at: https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/bms-earmarks-100-million-its-300-million-equity-pledge-for-diverse-clinical-trial