DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is celebrating a major milestone this month as it becomes the longest-standing U.S. retail pharmacy committed to clinical research. Three years after launching Walgreens Clinical Trials, the initiative has proven the power of retail-based research in expanding access, improving diversity, and driving innovation in pharmaceutical development.
Since its debut in June 2022, Walgreens Clinical Trials has connected with over 17 million customers for potential study participation. Patients referred by Walgreens are 20% more likely to enroll than those from other channels, underscoring the strength of its community-centered model. The demographic impact is equally notable: 63% of those engaged are women, 44% belong to historically underrepresented groups, and more than half are over age 60, reflecting a more inclusive cross-section of the U.S. population.
“For three years, our team has led a community-based research approach that not only improves patient access and ease of participation but ensures that insights collected are more representative of real-world populations,” says Ramita Tandon, chief biopharma officer at Walgreens. “The next chapter of clinical research is being written in retail settings, and we’re proud to lead this transformation.”
Partnerships have played a crucial role in this success. Walgreens has collaborated with numerous life science organizations and launched 20 community-based clinical trial sites across the country. A standout effort includes its work with AstraZeneca to deploy the AIRE (Accelerating Innovations and Research Excellence) Mobile Unit—a research bus that travels to underserved neighborhoods. Since its launch in March 2024, the unit has engaged over 20,000 individuals and pre-screened more than 1,900 for trial participation.
“Walgreens’ trusted community presence and nationwide footprint made them an ideal partner to help us bring the AIRE Mobile Unit directly to patients,” says Maria Jison, executive director of clinical development at AstraZeneca. “Beyond logistics, Walgreens provided valuable insights—from foot traffic patterns to community engagement—that helped us optimize outreach and better serve patients.”
Walgreens' 8,500-store footprint and frontline pharmacy staff also continue to be essential in bridging the gap between patients and clinical research. Through specialized training, pharmacists are now better equipped to answer questions and guide patients toward relevant opportunities.
Annmarie Soliman, a pharmacy manager in Perth Amboy, NJ, noted, “My partnership with the clinical trials team has given me the opportunity to learn, understand and apply my knowledge in product safety and regulations according to protocols which is beyond what I already do daily.”
As Walgreens looks ahead, its mission remains clear: make clinical trials more accessible, inclusive, and patient-centric—meeting people where they are, whether in-store, online, or at home.
