Clinical trial software firm ProofPilot has teamed with Greater Gift, a nonprofit that aims to raise awareness about drug research, to encourage both patient diversity and diversity of ideas in studies.
The “open invitation for research" initiative will accept research proposals from members of the Black, Latinx, AAPI and Native communities that focus on issues that are of concern to those communities.
The initiative will accept ideas on a variety of medical and health topics. The winner will be determined based on the uniqueness of the idea, feasibility and value of the research concept to the broader community.
People whose ideas are selected will receive training and free access to the ProofPilot platform—a SaaS trial design, launch and engagement system—as well as a minimum of $2,500 to support the project. In addition, Greater Gift will be accepting tax-deductible donations on behalf of ProofPilot to support the winners.
The aim is to encourage participation in research, particularly among people from communities that are underrepresented in clinical trials, according to Ashlei Rodgers, director of communications at Health Leads and one of the Open Invitation judges.
"Diversity in clinical trials from both the researcher and participant perspective are essential components to high-quality care and every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background, should have the opportunity to participate," Rodgers said.
ProofPilot Chief Marketing Officer Joseph Kim, framed the initiative as part of his firm’s effort to make drug studies more affordable and accessible to researchers and participants that would otherwise lack the required infrastructure.
The collaboration comes months after ProofPilot completed a $12 million fundraising round that attracted Mitsui & Co, Sopris Capital, First Trust Capital Partners and Excelra, among other investors.