Walgreens helps in trial of potential cancer tests

DEERFIELD - Walgreens and San Francisco-based Freenome Thursday announced a multiyear relationship to advance clinical studies of Freenome's blood-based tests for the early detection of cancer.

Walgreens will initially recruit patients across diverse populations for Freenome's Sanderson Study, which aims to evaluate blood-based early detection tests for multiple cancers.

Walgreens said it is able to combine its national footprint, patient insights, compliant recruitment technology and local infrastructure to engage people in clinical trials, including Freenome's multi-cancer research program.

"At Walgreens, our aim is to help every community we serve see clinical research as a viable care option," said Ramita Tandon, chief clinical trials officer, Walgreens. "Through our nationwide presence and trusted pharmacists, we can reach and engage previously underserved patient populations for clinical trials."

Real-world data collected by Walgreens as part of this collaboration will inform the development of new products and services in Freenome's multi-cancer detection research, including the company's blood-based colorectal cancer screening test.