BERWYN, PA — In a move to promote diversity in clinical trials, Chester County-based Mural Health has announced the “Harley Jacobsen Clinical Trial Participation Income Exemption Act,” a landmark legislation that could potentially revolutionize the American healthcare landscape.
The proposed bill aims to ensure that the estimated 110 million Americans enrolled in social welfare programs can participate in clinical research without risking their benefits. This initiative aligns with strategies of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to diversify patient populations, fostering more effective drug development for the benefit of all Americans.
Sam Whitaker, co-founder and CEO of Mural Health, has been a driving force behind this legislation since its proposal in October 2023. Whitaker penned a detailed letter to key leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, highlighting the need for an income exclusion provision. His insights have gained considerable attention within the clinical research community, prompting industry stakeholders to provide feedback and express support.
“Diverse demographics are crucial to clinical trial participation for the collective wellbeing of our society, including severely ill individuals, future trial candidates, and businesses of all sizes,” Whitaker said. “Exclusions counteract the FDA’s effort to enhance trial enrollment diversity, a step they deem essential for public health.”
The proposed Act aims to exempt payments to clinical trial participants from gross income, thereby encouraging diversity in clinical trial cohorts and enhancing the credibility of medical research. It also seeks to empower socially disadvantaged Americans, including individuals dealing with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and economic hardships, to access cutting-edge treatments.
Pennsylvania State Representatives Mike Kelly and Chrissy Houlahan, who co-sponsored the bill, underlined the economic upliftment this Act ensures. They cited the vital income exemption that ensures participation without penalty and emphasized the societal benefits that emerge from a diverse pool of clinical trial participants.
Mural Health is known for its relentless drive to democratize clinical research. The company’s technology-driven approach aims to simplify participation for all participants, globally. Its non-commercial venture, The Portrait Project, highlights the personal stories that fuel medical advancement.
A broad spectrum of organizations, from big pharmaceutical companies to research sites, have endorsed Whitaker’s mission, echoing the urgent call for change. The proposed legislation represents a significant stride towards ensuring that clinical trials reflect the diversity of the American population, thus facilitating more effective and inclusive drug development.
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