Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is piloting a patient engagement program it hopes can be a model for other trial sponsors seeking to increase the involvement of patient experts in developing pivotal clinical trials.

The company’s Patient Expert Engagement Resource (PEER) program features a virtual platform that allows patients and patient advocates to provide written and video feedback on BMS trial development plans. The platform will be used in combination with in-person and live discussions with the advocacy experts, according to BMS Executive Director Cathy Trzaskawka.

BMS has contracted with 34 patient advocacy groups worldwide to look for opportunities where advocates can provide feedback, Trzaskawka said. Many of the experts have been trained in drug development, regulatory issues, protocol review and development, health technology assessments and data generation.

Currently, PEER is focusing on improving communication of trial results to participants in language nonexperts can understand and reviewing trial protocols to make sure the patient voice is included.