The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) supports cell and gene therapy research and educational programs to advance new treatments for people in the state. CIRM’s commitment extends to improving access to clinical trials of those treatments to more Californians.
To support that goal, CIRM has approved a $2.5 million award to EVERSANA—a leading global life‑science services company—to establish a Patient Support Program (PSP) for participants in CIRM‑funded clinical trials.
Addressing Barriers to Clinical Trials
For many patients battling serious or chronic conditions, access to a clinical trial can be lifesaving. And yet getting into a trial and staying in one can be extremely difficult. Patients often face financial strain, and long‑distance travel. Those and or heavy family commitments often make continued participation challenging.
The program aims to address the informational, financial, and logistical barriers faced by participants and their families. The Patient Support Program will play a key role in ensuring equal access for Californians to clinical trials.
Evidence shows that support programs positively impact clinical trial accrual rates, patient diversity, trial adherence, humanistic outcomes, reduced healthcare utilization costs, and quality of life.
Encouraging Trial Participation in Underserved Communities
Services offered by the PSP include running a Patient Support Center that refers patients to clinical trials. The program also verifies participation and financial‑support eligibility, and administers a Patient Assistance Fund (PAF). The fund aims to reimburse patients for travel, meals, lodging, childcare, and other out‑of‑pocket costs.
Funding for the PSP comes from Proposition 14, the 2020 voter‑approved initiative to renew CIRM’s funding.
Under Prop 14, royalty revenues earned by CIRM grantees must be used to offset the cost of treatments and cures from CIRM‑funded research. This money would go toward treatments for Californians who cannot afford them, including reimbursing qualified research‑participant expenses.
CIRM has currently allocated $15.6 million from the Patient Assistance Fund to support patients.
“CIRM is committed to supporting patients through the clinical trial process,” said Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD, CIRM’s Interim President and CEO. “The Patient Support Program is one initiative moving us closer to that vision.”
EVERSANA is expected to begin work on the approved project plan within 120 days of the final contract.
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