Virtual research organisation (VRO) ObvioHealth has entered a partnership with Chemist Warehouse to increase the efficiency of clinical trials in Australia. 

Under the collaboration, sponsors will get access to a wide-ranging pool of trial subjects by providing trial awareness to customers of Chemist Warehouse in the region. 

For promoting trials managed by ObvioHealth, Chemist Warehouse will offer focused, multichannel communication, comprising in-store and online touchpoints, to its customers. 

This comprises educating people about trials using a variety of media assets of Chemist Warehouse such as a wellness magazine, TV show, and editorial inserts in newspapers.

Under the deal, ObvioHealth has the option to use Instant Consult, the telehealth services of Chemist Warehouse, for studies that need the evaluation of clinicians. This approach will reduce the burden on participants by removing the requirement to travel to in-clinic appointments. 

ObvioHealth CEO Ivan Jarry said: “As trial sponsors increasingly look to Australia to conduct their research, we’re excited to offer a solution to overcome their biggest roadblock - finding and enrolling the right patients. 

“Two of the biggest recruitment hurdles are awareness and convenience, and this partnership tackles both. 

“The ability to communicate trial opportunities to an audience in a place where they are likely to be receptive, coupled with telehealth services to reduce participant burden, makes sense all around.”

In February this year, ObvioHealth partnered with Sterling IRB to expedite decentralised clinical trial access and adoption.