We’re excited to share that EMCA has secured SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative) funding, alongside North Central London Cancer Alliance, in partnership with Cyted.

The Community Pharmacy Assessment for Barrett’s Oesophagus and Reflux Symptoms (COMPASS) Project aims to identify undiagnosed patients with Barrett's oesophagus (BO) and early-stage oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) within the gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD) population, using pharmacies as the main point of contact.

The approach will target self-medicating GORD patients, individuals identified through Boots Advantage Card data and underserved or hard-to-reach populations. Identified patients will be offered the Endosign® test, administered either in pharmacies or community diagnostic centres (CDCs). By leveraging data, community engagement, and pharmacy partnerships, the project will address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.

There will be two arms of the project: the pharmacy arm and the targeted intervention arm. The focus is on finding previously undiagnosed individuals who are at risk, using diverse methods to recruit and test 1020 patients. Patients will be offered a capsule sponge test in either a Boots pharmacy or their local community diagnostic centre (CDC).

You can read the full article about the project on the NHS Englands website.