Walgreens gets into the clinical trials business

• The problem was spotlighted this week as members of a key FDA advisory committee raised concerns about a lack of diversity in trials testing COVID-19 shots in infants and toddlers.
• The FDA has called improving diversity in trials a priority since 20% of drugs have a difference in response across ethnic groups. Roughly three in four clinical trial participants are white, 11% are Hispanic and fewer than 10% are Black and Asian.

Zoom in: Walgreens said it would be able to combine its "vast foundation" of patient insights and in-person and virtual care options to better reach more diverse participants.

• "We are building our next growth engine of consumer-centric healthcare solutions," said Ramita Tandon, chief clinical trials officer for Walgreens.

The bottom line: Throughout the pandemic, Walgreens, CVS Health and Walmart have extended their business models into care delivery through clinics, vaccination programs, digital health tools and insurance partnerships. This is the latest iteration.