CDU News | Page 17
Beacon of Hope Still Shines Bright at CDU
Charles R . Drew University and two other Historically Black medical schools have been working together with the Clinical Trial Center of Excellence at Morehouse School of Medicine as a consortium under the Beacon of Hope , a multimillion dollar commitment from Novartis and the Novartis US Foundation .
This partnership allows for the medical schools to collectively strengthen clinical trial capabilities and improve the quality of inclusivity of clinical trials to contribute to the improved health outcomes for communities of color and help rebuild their trust in the healthcare system .
“ Health equity isn ’ t just a goal , it ’ s a right ,” said Dr . David M . Carlisle , CDU President and CEO . “ But like so many rights we now enjoy , shepherding it from idea to movement to reality takes a concerted effort , unyielding will , and strong partnerships . That ’ s why we value our relationship with Novartis and all other Beacon of Hope participants as we work together toward a healthier tomorrow for everyone .”
Beacon of Hope began in July 2021 as a 10-year collaboration with Morehouse School of Medicine and 26 other Historically Black Colleges and Universities , the Thurgood Marshall College Fund , Coursera , and the National Medical Association , to work together to increase diversity among clinical trial participants and investigators ; improve access to high-quality education and promising jobs ; address inherent bias in the data standards used to diagnose and treat disease ; and find actionable solutions to environmental and climate issues that disproportionately affect health among communities of color .
Since the consortium ’ s launch last year , the program has undergone some significant expansions . IBM joined Beacon of Hope as anchor technology partner to provide technology solutions for Centers of Excellence at all four Historically Black Medical Schools . Novartis also committed to invest an additional $ 17.7 million to create Clinical Trial Centers of Excellence at Howard University College of Medicine , Meharry Medical College and right here at CDU , bringing the company ’ s total investment to $ 50 million over 10 years .
In addition , health and medicine giants Sanofi and Merck are signing on to Beacon of Hope to conduct clinical trials through the four Historically Black Medical School clinical trial Centers of Excellence . Novartis has also established a new Beacon of Hope Summer Fellowship program at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research to train students for careers in drug discovery and clinical research .
“ Within one year since launching this unique collaboration , we have made tangible progress in tackling social determinants of health like education and discrimination , and creating enduring solutions for increasing diversity and inclusion in clinical trials ,” shared Dr . Patrice Matchaba , Head of US Corporate Responsibility at Novartis and President of the Novartis US Foundation .
Novartis is a leading global healthcare company that provides solutions to the evolving needs of patients worldwide . The organization aims to discover new ways to improve and extend people ’ s lives through science-based innovation .