Health Care

Lawmakers, health leaders make bipartisan push to expand clinical trials access

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by Finya Swai - 05/20/26 6:26 PM ET

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by Finya Swai - 05/20/26 6:26 PM ET

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A House Democrat and Republican on Wednesday highlighted their push to expand access to clinical trials, saying artificial intelligence could be one tool used to reach more underrepresented communities seeking additional treatment options.

The Clinical Trial Modernization Act, co-sponsored by Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), is a bipartisan effort aiming to address some of the economic hurdles preventing patients from participating in clinical trials, which rely on community-based research to test the safety and effectiveness of medications, procedures and other health-related interventions.

But many trials fall short of participation targets rates because potential patients are facing financial burdens and transportation challenges in areas across the country, limiting access to research centers. It has led to delays and a lack of representation of communities in medical research.

“It’s going to expand the diversity and increase the pool of patients that can participate in the clinical trials,” Ruiz said of his bill at The Hill’s “Reimagining Clinical Trials – Expanding Access by Meeting Patients Where They Are” event, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly).

Ruiz said he understands how difficult it can be for some communities to access clinical trials, having grown up in a rural area and in a trailer park. He said the legislation would help alleviate some of the financial stressors that discourage participation, such as out-of-pocket travel costs, while ensuring that participant stipends up to $2,000 are not taxed.

One of the most prominent bottlenecks in clinical trials is the eligibility screening process, which identifies and matches patients to appropriate studies. It also provides medical screening that can detect potentially life-threatening illnesses.

Houchin said a greater emphasis on using artificial intelligence could help streamline the process and improve treatment.

“AI can play a role in giving a role potentially in clinical trials that we haven’t maybe considered or maybe we are just on the verge of considering,” Houchin (R-Ind.) told NewsNation’s Margaret Chadbourn, one of the event’s moderators.

Outside the venue, Lilly showcased its mobile screening trucks designed to bring clinical trial recruitment directly to underrepresented communities. The units travel across the country offering health screenings and lab testings, and provide information about ongoing studies in an effort to connect more patients with clinical research opportunities.

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