Pratia, in partnership with Essen Healthcare, is bringing Clinical Trials to the most underserved populations

Pratia, a leader in clinical trial solutions, is starting a new partnership with Essen Healthcare, a trusted healthcare network serving the Bronx, New York. This collaboration aims to bring innovative clinical trial opportunities to the borough’s underserved populations, expanding access to cutting-edge treatments and therapies for individuals who may otherwise face significant barriers to accessing innovative healthcare.

As part of this partnership, Pratia will collaborate closely with Essen Healthcare to provide eligible Patients in the Bronx with access to a wide range of clinical trials. These studies will cover various medical conditions, across multiple therapeutic areas, including metabolic disorders, cardiology, pulmonology, and mental health – as these conditions disproportionately impact the local community. By facilitating Patient participation in clinical trials, Pratia and Essen Healthcare aim to bridge the gap between advanced medical research and underserved communities.  

The Role of Clinical Trials in Supporting Patients  

Clinical trials offer a unique opportunity for Patients to access the latest medical treatments and therapies before they become widely available. For many individuals in underserved communities like the Bronx, clinical trials can be their only chance to access cutting-edge drugs and medical procedures that are not available through traditional healthcare channels.  

“Clinical trials are essential not only for advancing medical knowledge but also for providing Patients access to potentially life-changing therapies,” said Chloe Rose, PhD Executive Director of Portfolio Management at Pratia. “By partnering with Essen Healthcare, we are ensuring that Patients in the Bronx—many of whom have limited access to advanced healthcare—can benefit from the latest breakthroughs in medicine.”  

Breaking Down Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation

Historically, many underserved communities have been underrepresented in clinical trials, often due to factors such as lack of awareness, mistrust of medical research, and logistical challenges. This collaboration seeks to overcome these barriers by educating the Bronx community about the importance of clinical trials and by addressing the specific needs of these populations.  

Through this partnership, Patients in the Bronx will have a more direct pathway to participate in clinical trials, with support from Essen Healthcare’s network of physicians and care providers who will help identify eligible participants.

“Bringing clinical trials into the Bronx is a critical step in ensuring that medical research reflects the needs of the communities most affected by health disparities,” said Dr. Sumir Sahgal, founder and Chief Medical Officer of Essen Healthcare.  “We are thrilled to be working with Pratia to provide our Patients with opportunities to participate in research that could ultimately improve their health outcomes and advance healthcare for all. Essen’s primary service area contains nearly 1.4 million people. It’s a large group of people we can help.” 

Expanding Access to the Most Underserved Populations  

“I am incredibly proud of this partnership with Essen Healthcare. Our goal is not only to provide Patients with access to innovative therapies, but also to remove the barriers that have traditionally made it difficult for them to participate in clinical trials. Through this partnership, Patients will have an easier pathway to participate in clinical studies that can significantly improve their quality of life. I believe this initiative will make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in this region. Also, including Bronx Patients in clinical trials aligns perfectly with the FDA’s mission to increase diversity in clinical research.” said Mona Alqam, MD Country Head at Pratia USA.  

In addition to providing access to innovative treatments, the partnership will include educational initiatives aimed at demystifying the clinical trial process for residents. These initiatives will focus on raising awareness about the potential benefits of clinical trials, providing Patients with information about how trials work, and addressing any concerns or misconceptions they may have.  

About Essen Healthcare

Essen Healthcare is a well-established healthcare network that provides high-quality, comprehensive care to residents of the Bronx and surrounding areas such as Queens and Forest Hills. Essen currently leases and operates 45 clinical spaces. With a focus on underserved communities, Essen Healthcare offers primary care, specialty care, urgent care, and other services, aiming to reduce chronic health conditions and improve the overall well-being of the populations it serves.