In an effort to accelerate the overall development of innovative cancer therapies and increase access to clinical trials for patients across the U.S., Bristol Myers Squibb and Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) announced an expansion to its strategic collaboration.¹

Through this expanded collaboration effort, SCRI and Bristol Myers Squibb will increase access to Bristol Myers Squibb’s therapy solutions by embedding clinical trials in community settings, and with more than 1,300 physicians engaged in research spanning across more than 20 states, SCRI’s network enables broader participation in clinical trials.¹

During the early phase of the collaboration, SCRI achieved a 45% reduction in study startup timelines spanning across eight Bristol Myers Squibb clinical trials, significantly outperforming timelines observed at non-SCRI sites.¹ These capabilities are expected to be scaled across SCRI’s research network, reinforcing a shared commitment to transforming clinical trial delivery, while also ensuring an increase to patient access to the latest cancer treatments and innovations.¹

Why did Bristol Myers Squibb and Sarah Cannon Research Institute expand its collaboration?

According to a press release, a key factor of the collaboration is SCRI’s next-generation clinical trial delivery model Accelero, which streamlines operations and accelerates trial execution spanning SCRI’s expansive network of upwards of 200 locations.¹ The expanded collaboration effort aims to align Bristol Myers Squibb’s pioneering oncology pipeline with SCRI’s research infrastructure and expertise, bringing cutting-edge research directly to patients where they live and receive care.¹

“Together, SCRI and Bristol Myers Squibb are translating innovative science into clinical trials and accelerating patient enrollment through SCRI’s Accelero model that prioritizes speed, quality, and access, and ultimately brings promising therapies to patients faster and closer to home,” said Dee Anna Smith, chief executive officer, SCRI. “We look forward to the impact we will have together as we reach more patients and continue to redefine how clinical trials are delivered across the country.”

Bristol Myers Squibb’s statement on its expanded collaboration with SCRI

“At Bristol Myers Squibb, we recognize that accelerating clinical trial enrollment requires not only scientific innovation but also operational innovation. This includes a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, while we look to accelerate overall patient enrollment,” said Mokash Sharma, Senior Vice President, Global Development Operations, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Improving access to clinical research isn’t just about science—it’s about trust, and meeting people where they are. By leveraging data-driven strategies through our collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute, we’re working to ensure that more patients—especially those from medically underserved populations—have access to vital cancer research advances in their communities. This partnership reflects our shared vision to transform clinical trial delivery and advance health equity across the oncology landscape.”

Sources

1. Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Bristol Myers Squibb Expand Strategic Collaboration to Accelerate Patient Enrollment and Broaden Access to Innovative Cancer Research Bristol Myers Squibb November 12, 2025 https://news.bms.com/news/details/2025/Sarah-Cannon-Research-Institute-and-Bristol-Myers-Squibb-Expand-Strategic-Collaboration-to-Accelerate-Patient-Enrollment-and-Broaden-Access-to-Innovative-Cancer-Research/default.aspx