EmVenio will operate its mobile sites across the US, and stated that it would focus on delivering trial access to diverse and economically underserved communities.
The startup suggests that it focuses on localizing clinical trials by basing its mobile community research sites across selected urban, suburban, and rural regions. With the sites themselves being mobile, EmVenio states that the research centers can be placed strategically in communities to allow for trials to be conducted more flexibly, improving on rates of participation and retention.
According to EmVenio, the startups trials have a 92% retention rate, compared to a 70% industry average. Of those participating, 40% were from minority populations, with the industry averaging less than 20%.
EmVenio states that because the mobile sites can be adaptably located, the travel, schedule, and the ‘daily challenges’ that can discourage participation, and continued participation, in trials can be minimized.
“Our mobile research sites will reduce the burdens of trial participation, address sponsors' DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) goals by providing higher diversity and inclusion rates, and ultimately rebuild the fading trust in health care research within these communities by providing the option of clinical trial participation and allowing patients to participate on their own terms,” said Thad Wolfram, EmVenio president.
One of the advantages of the mobile research center approach is that such a site can be activated with fully trained clinician staff in under four weeks, EmVenio outlined. Each site is staffed with a nurse practitioner, registered nurse and fleet coordinator, with the potential for more staff depending on the location.
At present, EmVenio’s 10 current mobile sites are stationed in various locations around the US, including Albuquerque, New Mexico, Atlanta, Georgia, Chicago, Illinois, and other states.
The startup outlined that it is currently working with these mobiles sites to conduct a study on treatment for healthy adults with COVID-19, as well as additional studies specific to the community’s health trends and current needs.
When collaborating to set up a trial, EmVenio outlined that it offers the ability to identify with partners where best to locate the mobile research sites. Wolfram also stated that patients are given the choice of “when and where their participation will occur.”
