Forced innovation and a return to tradition

In early 2020, clinical research found itself in uncharted waters. Faced with the pandemic, sponsors, sites, and regulators had to pivot quickly. According to a report in The Lancet, around 80% of non-COVID-19 trials were stopped or interrupted. Innovation, therefore, wasn’t optional; it was the only way to keep research moving. Studies that once relied on clinic visits embraced telemedicine, remote monitoring, and direct-to-patient shipment of investigational product. 

But as the urgency of that moment faded, many organizations retreated to the familiar—returning to site-first workflows that feel easier to monitor, defend, and explain. The instinct is understandable. Familiar processes seem safer.

Yet risk lives in rigidity as much as novelty. Forcing every visit into a single delivery model—whether all in-clinic or all virtual—creates friction, adds unnecessary complexity, and ultimately makes trials harder to run.

A steadier, lower-risk path is to plan for choice. That’s the principle behind Lightship’s expanded access model: giving sponsors and participants in-clinic, hybrid, and virtual options, all managed under one roof. By meeting teams where they are on the innovation curve and offering participants flexible ways to engage, we reduce risk while expanding reach.

When teams commit to one delivery model too early, the plan starts driving the protocol instead of the other way around. Schedules of assessments rarely move in a straight line: a biopsy or imaging window sits next to a run of routine safety checks; a complex dose visit is followed by a quick adverse-event review. Treating every visit as if it needs the same setting forces unnecessary complexity somewhere, either by pulling simple tasks into the clinic or by stretching at-home methods past what’s been proven and practicable. Oversight becomes harder to defend, handoffs multiply, and participants feel the friction.

A steadier path is to design for choice from the start. Keeping all three options on the table allows sponsors to place each visit in the least complex acceptable setting—anchoring complex work in the clinic, shifting routine work when it can be done safely at home, and using telemedicine for what it does best: extending reach and continuity.

Trial delivery isn’t binary - traditional or innovative, on-site or virtual. Most protocols benefit from using more than one setting across the schedule of assessments. Each pillar in Lightship’s model represents a unique type of trial delivery, and each brings distinct value:

In-clinic (brick & mortar): The anchor for complex or invasive procedures, imaging, or anything requiring specialized equipment and immediate intervention. Lowest risk, highest familiarity.

Hybrid (clinic + home/telemedicine): This is the sweet spot for most protocols. Mobile nurses conduct blood draws, PK samples, vitals, and telemedicine-guided physicals in the home, while keeping complex work in-clinic. Evening and weekend visits reduce missed appointments.

Virtual (home/telemedicine with PI oversight): Best for long-term follow-ups, clinician-reported assessments that don’t require equipment-heavy procedures, and patient-reported outcomes. Ideal for extending reach to participants far from sites or constrained by schedules.

Additionally, each type of trial delivery can be supported by Lightship’s Mobile Research Unit (MRU), serving as an extension of a physical site as needed.

The working rule is simple: match the mode to the visit, not the study. Designing for choice keeps the protocol in the driver’s seat, reduces unnecessary complexity, and gives participants flexibility without sacrificing quality.

Quality and oversight—without contortions

In a three-pillar model, quality comes down to continuity and simplicity. Investigator oversight travels with the participant, regardless of the location. Technology underpins this continuity, providing a single backbone across in-clinic, hybrid, and virtual visits.

Consistency: The same PI and CRCs anchor oversight across settings. Whenever possible, the same nurse who sees a participant in the clinic can also support them at home, building trust, improving recall, and strengthening engagement.

Transparency: Clear delegation logs, standardized SOPs, and simple visit briefs make it obvious who saw what, who decided what, and what happened next. Shared technology platforms ensure those records are visible across all settings.

Integration: A unified technology backbone keeps oversight seamless, with real-time data capture, alerts, and documentation that follow the participant across settings. Weekly PI–staff reviews and automated triggers highlight issues such as missed PK windows, courier delays, reschedules early, so they can be addressed before they become patterns.

By combining trusted clinical relationships with a technology backbone that integrates across all three pillars—and is agnostic in order to plug into a sponsor’s existing platforms and workflows—oversight stays intact, quality is preserved, and every visit has the same oversight and quality regardless of modality.

Procurement and cost: where complexity hides

The building blocks of flexible research—sites, home nursing, telemedicine—already exist. Risk creeps in when they’re assembled piecemeal. Every new vendor adds contracts, start-ups, training, monitoring, and handoffs. Each on its own may be manageable; taken together, they widen timelines and create more places for something to stall.

By consolidating under one coordinated team, sponsors reduce redundant start-ups and avoid parallel systems. Lightship sites, home nurses, and virtual platforms operate under the same SOP framework, led by the same investigators. That consistency not only cuts down on contracts and vendor management burden—it also matters deeply to investigators. When study staff comes from within the Lightship team, investigators know and trust the nurses, are comfortable with delegation, and remain confident that oversight is preserved.

This is where many hybrid models have struggled. Investigators are often reluctant to delegate tasks to external nursing vendors who follow different SOPs and are unfamiliar, which limits adoption and undercuts the potential benefits of at-home support. In Lightship’s model, those barriers are minimized. The same team that anchors the study in-clinic also extends care into the home, ensuring adoption, quality, and continuity without compromise.

Mitigating risk also means scaling thoughtfully. Lightship begins at the state level,, where PIs and nurses hold licensure to oversee participants statewide. Starting here makes adoption easier for sponsors; an approach aligned with the industry’s innovation curve, where most teams prefer to take new models in measured steps.

Once the model is proven and quality demonstrated, sponsors gain the confidence to expand further. What begins as a state footprint can extend into national coverage, giving states broader reach without adding unnecessary risk.

This “prove and repeat” approach avoids overextension while showing a clear path to scale. Teams learn faster, start-up timelines shorten, and growth happens in a way that is steady, auditable, and ready to expand when sponsors are.

Of course, risk extends beyond data and oversight. Supporting participants’ ability to stay involved in a trial is key to managing risk. By giving participants choice, we remove barriers that often derail studies:

Parents don’t have to arrange childcare for routine visits.

Workers can schedule evening check-ins without taking time off.

Rural participants can join a trial without traveling hours to a clinic.

If a visit can be done at home safely and cleanly, offer that option alongside the clinic slot—especially for routine check-ins that fit after work or on weekends. These small flexibilities drive retention and broaden access. They also support the representation benchmarks tied to safety and efficacy analyses for approval. Ensuring trials reflect real-world populations is how we generate reliable, approvable data.

The industry doesn’t have to choose between innovation and tradition. The true low-risk path is planning for choice by offering in-clinic, hybrid, and virtual settings under one model, with consistent oversight and quality at the core.

Clinical trials succeed when sponsors and sites have the flexibility to put each visit in the right setting. Most importantly, this flexibility keeps people engaged, because research that fits into daily life is research that participants are able to complete. By meeting sponsors where they are on the innovation curve, and participants where they live, we expand access, reduce burden, and shorten timelines—without taking unnecessary risks. 

At Lightship, we believe options should be at the heart of every clinical trial. Our three-pillar site model—anchored in-clinic, extended through hybrid, and scaled virtually—makes participation easier, safer, and more inclusive. With one trusted partner, sponsors gain flexibility without added complexity.

Let’s design studies that de-risk the path forward—for sponsors, for participants, and for the therapies that need to reach patients faster. Learn more at www.lightship.com.

The industry doesn’t have to choose between innovation and tradition. In our latest blog, Lightship COO, Darcy Forman, shares how our expanded access site model—offering in-clinic, hybrid, and virtual options under one coordinated framework—reduces complexity, expands access, and keeps participants engaged while maintaining quality and oversight.

De-Risking Clinical Trials with an Expanded Access Site Model

In the first installment of our “Meet the Team” blog series, we talk to Tisha Hargrove, Senior Clinical Study Supply Coordinator, about the mission that drew her to Lightship, the moving parts behind a smooth study visit, and why access and choice matter for participants.


Hi Tisha! Thanks for doing this. Let’s start with the basics. How long have you been with Lightship? What brought you here?
I’ve been with Lightship for almost three and a half years. I was drawn to Lightship’s mission. By increasing access and choice, we improve enrollment, retention, and representation—and help bring effective therapies to people, faster.


What does a typical day in your role look like?
A typical day includes managing inventory operations: ordering supplies, receiving and inspecting shipments, performing quality control on study materials, shipping supplies to our nursing team for participant visits, and distributing general supplies for ongoing studies. I also handle key administrative and data tasks: reviewing and entering data for the Principal Investigator (PI), uploading study-related reports, sending physician orders, updating and resolving queries, and issuing payments for completed visits. It’s a lot of moving parts, but it means every visit has what it needs, when it needs it.


What excites you most about working in clinical research?
I get really excited about the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Every study is a step toward better treatments, earlier diagnoses, and even cures. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that blends science, compassion, and innovation—all with the goal of helping others.

Also, clinical research is constantly evolving. New technologies, decentralized models, and patient-centered approaches are changing how we think about healthcare. Being at the forefront of that transformation keeps things fresh and meaningful.

How do you see Lightship transforming the clinical trial experience for participants?
Lightship makes it easier for people to take part in studies—no long trips required. We meet participants where they are: in-clinic, at home, virtually, or even through our mobile research unit (MRU). Joining a study fits into their life, not the other way around. Giving people choices like how and where visits happen can be the difference between dropping out and staying in a study. 


What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family!

Thank you, Tisha, for sharing your story and the important role you play in supporting every study visit. Stay tuned for our next “Meet the Team” feature!

In the first installment of our “Meet the Team” blog series, we talk to Tisha Hargrove, Senior Clinical Study Supply Coordinator, about the mission that drew her to Lightship, the moving parts behind a smooth study visit, and why access and choice matter for participants.

Meet the Team: Tisha Hargrove, Senior Clinical Study Supply Coordinator

Morrisville, NC, August 28, 2025—Lightship Inc., the clinical research site organization dedicated to increasing access and choice for sponsors and participants, today announced its collaboration with The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) as a Global Impact Partner (GIP). As a GIP, Lightship will participate on the GIP Board, working closely with SCRS’ Leadership Council to champion sites within the global research marketplace. 

“Sites are the foundation of every clinical trial, and when sites are strong, participants and sponsors benefit,” said Michael Shipton, Chief Business Officer for Lightship. “We are thrilled to collaborate with SCRS as a Global Impact Partner and look forward to advancing site sustainability and enabling trials that are more inclusive, accessible, and effective for everyone involved.”

Through its commitment to making clinical research participation possible for all, Lightship offers a flexible, accessible site model that expands reach and helps bring new therapies to market faster. By meeting participants where they are—in brick-and-mortar clinics, in their own homes, and through mobile and virtual options—Lightship reduces barriers to enrollment while providing sponsors with reliable, high-quality delivery. This approach accelerates enrollment, strengthens retention, and improves representation through a single trusted partner. 

As a Global Impact Partner, Lightship will collaborate with SCRS leadership to shape industry best practices, advocate for greater site sustainability, and improve the research experience for both participants and sponsors.

“We are excited to welcome Lightship as a Global Impact Partner,” said Marcus Maleck, Vice President, Global Business Partnerships for SCRS. “Their flexible, patient-centered site model aligns with our mission to strengthen sites and expand access to research. Together, we can advance sustainability, equity, and collaboration across the global research community.”

To learn more about Lightship and how its site network model provides a seamless experience for sponsors and participants, visit www.lightship.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Lightship, Inc. is a clinical trial site organization committed to making research participation possible for all. We collaborate with biopharmaceutical companies and CROs to design and conduct studies that accelerate the development of new therapies while expanding access and choice. As a tech-agnostic partner, we integrate with sponsors’ preferred platforms and workflows. Our model meets people where they are, supporting participants throughout their clinical trial journey, from initial engagement to study completion. We make participation easy, convenient, and safe through flexible visit options, including in clinics, at home, and on our mobile research units. By transforming the clinical research experience, we aim to shorten study timelines, enhance diversity, improve retention, and ultimately help bring better treatments to market faster. Learn more at www.lightship.com.

About the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) 

The Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to unifying the voice of the global clinical research site community. Representing more than 11,000 research sites in 50+ countries, SCRS facilitates industry collaborations and conversations dedicated to site-focused advocacy, education, mentorship, and connection. SCRS is an active and influential champion for sites in industry initiatives to ensure that the perspective of sites is heard and valued. Learn more and get involved at myscrs.org.  Our voice. Our community. Your success.

Contact: Brittany Kearns
Phone: 571-271-7211
Email: brittany@crossroadsb2b.com

The collaboration reflects a shared mission to amplify site sustainability and advance equity in clinical trial access.

Lightship Joins SCRS Global Impact Partner Program 

Circuit Clinical Solutions Inc. [“Circuit Clinical”] and Lightship Inc. [“Lightship”] Mutually Agree to Terminate Merger Agreement.

Circuit Clinical and Lightship today announced that they have mutually decided to terminate the previously announced merger agreement between the two companies. This decision was reached following careful consideration of recent developments and a thorough review of strategic priorities.

While both organizations entered the agreement with a shared vision for future growth and innovation, changes in market dynamics and evolving business needs have led to the conclusion that continuing independently is in the best interest of their respective stakeholders.

“We deeply value the relationship we’ve built with Lightship and are proud of the collaborative efforts made throughout this process,” said Dr. Irfan Khan, CEO of Circuit Clinical. “Circuit Clinical remains committed to driving value for shareholders and delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers.”

David MacMurchy, CEO of Lightship echoed the sentiment, stating, “Although our paths will diverge, we maintain great respect for the Circuit Clinical team and look forward to continued success in our individual journeys.”

The companies will continue to operate as separate entities and remain focused on their respective missions and long-term objectives.

About Circuit Clinical
Circuit Clinical, one of the fastest-growing research networks in the USA, is dedicated to empowering patients to choose clinical research as a care option through improved access to clinical trials. Committed to transforming the experience of finding, choosing, and participating in clinical research for physicians and their patients, Circuit provides clinical research services through traditional, hybrid, and decentralized community-based site models and their MD Prescreen service that optimizes patient referrals. Learn more at www.circuitclinical.com.   

About Lightship
Lightship is a clinical trials service provider focused on increasing access and ensuring research reflects representative populations. We partner with biopharma, CROs, and academic institutions to design and deliver studies that engage diverse and underserved patient groups, accelerating enrollment while improving patient access in clinical trials.   

Through targeted outreach and education, we connect with potential participants in their community, building trust and reducing barriers to enrollment. Our virtual and hybrid trial models, supported by our site network, mobile research units (MRUs), and mobile nursing, allow patients to participate in research that fits their lives, whether at home, in a clinic, or at an MRU in the community.   

By making trials more accessible and patient-centered, we reduce enrollment timelines, improve retention, and accelerate the development of therapies that better reflect real-world communities. Learn more about us at www.lightship.com.   

Contact:
Michael W. Shipton
Chief Commercial Officer, Lightship
mshipton@lightship.com | +1 919-605-8064

Circuit Clinical and Lightship today announced that they have mutually decided to terminate the previously announced merger agreement between the two companies.

Circuit Clinical and Lightship Mutually Agree to Terminate Merger Agreement

Discover how Lightship’s hybrid clinical trial model successfully accelerated enrollment for a Phase III cardiovascular study while expanding access, choice, and equity. Partnering with a top 10 global pharmaceutical company, Lightship leveraged its curated site network and experienced mobile research nurses to deliver a seamless trial experience that reduced patient burden and expanded reach.

By integrating in-clinic and off-site visits, Lightship enabled participation from individuals living over 60% farther from study sites than typical participants. This approach not only boosted enrollment capacity but also improved participant diversity - engaging more Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latino individuals than the national average for cardiology trials.

Through patient-centric design and strong operational alignment with site teams, Lightship ensured consistent oversight, high retention rates, and a smooth transition between visit modalities. The result was an accelerated recruitment timeline that exceeded sponsor goals and enhanced the overall participant experience.

How hybrid trial design expands reach and participant representation

The critical role of our site network and mobile nurses in accelerating enrollment

Strategies for enhancing diversity and retention

Key outcomes, including a 60% increase in participant distance and 95% retention for off-site visits

Hydrid Case Study.pdf

Download Hybrid Case Study

Discover How Lightship’s Curated Site Network and Mobile Research Nurses Accelerated Enrollment in a Phase III Cardiovascular Study

Circuit Clinical Solutions Inc. [“Circuit Clinical”] and Lightship Inc. [“Lightship”] Announce Strategic Merger to Accelerate Scale and Expanded Access in Clinical Research

Buffalo, NY & Morrisville, NC— Today, Lightship and Circuit Clinical proudly announce their strategic merger, forming a leading, unified force in clinical trial delivery. This landmark collaboration represents a significant step toward consolidating a fragmented industry—establishing a new standard for scale, accessibility, and innovation.

By uniting complementary capabilities, deep therapeutic expertise, and cutting-edge delivery models, the combined organization is purpose-built for growth and long-term impact. Bringing together Lightship’s leadership in hybrid trial models and mobile care with Circuit Clinical’s trusted community-based site network and patient engagement strengths, the new entity offers an integrated solution for sponsors, CROs, healthcare systems, and—above all—patients. Together, they are uniquely positioned to expand access, accelerate timelines, and enhance the overall clinical trial experience.

“Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in clinical research,” said David MacMurchy, CEO of Lightship. “This is an exciting milestone for our teams and for the industry as a whole.  Together, we will reframe what’s possible in clinical research—delivering greater value to sponsors and better outcomes for patients everywhere.”

“This merger is more than a business combination; it’s a bold response to the evolving needs of clinical research,” said Dr. Irfan Khan, CEO of Circuit Clinical. “Lightship plus Circuit Clinical delivers the scale, trust, and innovation needed to meet the growing complexity of modern trials”

Expanded Reach through physical site networks and remote delivery capabilities

Flexible Participation Models supporting traditional, hybrid, and fully virtual trials

Scalable, Professionally Managed Infrastructure that simplifies execution and accelerates patient enrollment

Streamlined Services that enhance the experience for investigators, health systems, sponsors, and CROs

By combining proven delivery models with top-tier operational talent, the merged company is setting a new bar for the future of clinical trials.

Mr. MacMurchy and Dr. Khan will serve as co-CEOs of the new organization. Both Circuit Clinical and Lightship will continue to operate under their existing brands during the transition. The combined company’s new name and identity will be announced in the coming weeks.

Media Contacts:
Michael W. Shipton
Chief Commercial Officer, Lightship
mshipton@lightship.com | +1 919-605-8064

Candice Kent
VP Marketing and Communications, Circuit Clinical
ckent@circuitclinical.com | +1 484-885-0981

Today, Lightship and Circuit Clinical proudly announce their strategic merger, forming a leading, unified force in clinical trial delivery.

Lightship’s MRUs bring clinical trials directly to participants, overcoming barriers and enhancing engagement. They offer a convenient, patient-focused approach to clinical trials in a trusted environment close to home.

With an experienced clinical team on board and customizable equipment tailored to each study’s needs, our MRUs deliver seamless care, from engagement and pre-screening to study visits and assessments in the community. Our units are fully equipped to collect biospecimen samples, store IMP under secure and temperature-controlled conditions, conduct ECGs, monitor vitals, perform physical exams, and support a wide range of clinical trial activities.

How MRUs help with community outreach - including targeted study outreach and long-term engagement; pre-screening; and study visits

Our collaborative approach to community outreach and the results that have stemmed from our workflow

Novel approaches to MRU incorporation to make your study a success

Lightship MRU Case Study.pdf

Download MRU Case Study

Mobile Research Units in Action: Discover how Lightship's MRUs bring clinical trials directly to communities, enhancing patient engagement and simplifying trial delivery.

David MacMurchy, Chief Executive Officer at Lightship, offers some insights into the company's mission toward improving equity and diversity in clinical trials.

Accelerate Inclusive Enrollment and Delivery with Lightship

Sepehr Shojaei, VP of Design Solutions at Lightship, talks about how the company works with pharma and contract research organization (CRO) partners to support clinical trials that are patient-first and accessible.

Lightship’s Approach to Accessible, Representative, and Impactful Clinical Trials

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 27, 2025 – Lightship Inc., a leading provider of community-based, decentralized clinical trial services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Shipton as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). With a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the life sciences and technology sectors, Shipton will play a key role in reshaping Lightship’s go-to-market strategy and strengthening its ability to meet the growing complexity of representative clinical trials.

Shipton brings over 30 years of experience in designing and executing high-impact business solutions, with expertise across sales management and operations, marketing, strategic pricing and partnerships, finance, global operations, and customer engagement. As Lightship enters an exciting new phase of growth, his leadership will be essential in expanding the company’s service offerings and driving strategic business development efforts that will enable Lightship to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

“Michael’s appointment comes at a critical juncture in Lightship’s growth,” said David MacMurchy, CEO of Lightship. “His extensive experience working in both the CRO and site spaces, combined with his ability to solve complex client challenges, makes him the ideal leader to strengthen our market positioning. Michael’s strategic vision, proven ability to drive business growth, and commitment to patient-centered solutions will be instrumental in helping us expand our reach to more clients—and ultimately more patients—enhancing our impact across the industry.”

Shipton has held senior leadership positions at some of the most recognized names in the industry, including Profound Research, Science 37, Syneos Health, and Quintiles (now IQVIA), where he led significant go-to-market transformations, drove sales growth, and oversaw cross-functional teams to achieve commercial excellence. His proven track record and passion for improving health outcomes will be critical to driving Lightship’s mission forward with even greater impact.

“I have always believed in the transformative power of clinical trials to improve health outcomes, and I’m excited to join Lightship during this pivotal period of growth,” said Shipton. “I look forward to collaborating with the team to advance Lightship’s mission, reach more patients, and develop solutions that address the complexities facing clinical trials today. Together, we can continue to make trials more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for individuals and communities everywhere.”

Lightship Inc. is a clinical trials service provider focused on increasing access and ensuring research reflects representative populations. We partner with biopharma, CROs, and academic institutions to design and deliver studies that engage diverse and underserved patient groups, accelerating enrollment while improving patient access in clinical trials.

Through targeted outreach and education, we connect with potential participants in their community, building trust and reducing barriers to enrollment. Our decentralized and hybrid trial models, supported by our site network, mobile research units (MRUs), and mobile nurses allow patients to take part in research that fits their lives, whether at home, in a clinic, or at an MRU in the community.

By making trials more accessible and patient-centered, we reduce enrollment timelines, improve retention, and accelerate the development of therapies that better reflect real-world communities. Learn more about us at: www.lightship.com.

Lightship Inc., a leading provider of community-based, decentralized clinical trial services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Shipton as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

Lightship Appoints Michael Shipton as Chief Commercial Officer to Accelerate Growth and Market Leadership

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – March 20, 2025 – Lightship, a leading provider of community-based, decentralized clinical trial services, is appointing Darcy Forman as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this key role, Forman will further enhance Lightship’s ability to deliver representative clinical trials at scale, driving operational excellence, and expanding the company’s capacity to handle more complex, decentralized trial solutions in communities across the nation.

Forman joins Lightship with over 25 years of distinguished experience in clinical research, blending deep expertise in clinical operations with a strategic approach to corporate development. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about innovation in clinical trials, particularly decentralized models that increase patient accessibility and engagement. Forman’s extensive background in both operations and strategic leadership will be critical to strengthening Lightship’s ability to deliver on its mission and grow to serve evolving client needs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Darcy to the Lightship team,” said David MacMurchy, CEO of Lightship. “With her proven track record of leading complex clinical operations, delivering both traditional and decentralized trials, Darcy will be a key driver in our next phase of growth. Her leadership will empower us to push the boundaries of what we can do in the community, ultimately helping reduce enrollment timelines, improving retention, and ensuring trials better reflect representative communities”

Forman’s most recent role was as an executive consultant where she worked with a variety of companies across the clinical research spectrum to address strategic needs. Prior to that, she served as the Chief Delivery Officer at Science 37, where she oversaw clinical operations service delivery, including patient engagement, clinical operations, data management, and nursing solutions. She has also held leadership positions at well-regarded CROs, including i3 Research (now Syneos Health), Health Decisions, Clinipace, and Firma Clinical. Forman began her career as a bench scientist at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals before transitioning into Pfizer’s clinical research division, where she gained valuable experience in clinical operations and project management.

“I am ecstatic to be joining Lightship at such a key time,” said Darcy, “I am confident in our abilities to expand access for clinical trials, and I am so excited to join a new team where I can continue to expand the mission.”

As COO, Forman will focus on optimizing Lightship’s operational infrastructure, implementing best practices, and building a scalable foundation to support future strategic growth. Her leadership will ensure that the company continues to deliver seamless and effective solutions at scale, meeting the evolving needs of clients and patients.

Lightship is a clinical trials service provider focused on increasing access and ensuring research reflects representative populations. We partner with biopharma, CROs, and academic institutions to design and deliver studies that engage diverse and underserved patient groups, accelerating enrollment while improving patient access in clinical trials.

Through targeted outreach and education, we connect with potential participants in their community, building trust and reducing barriers to enrollment. Our decentralized and hybrid trial models, supported by our site network, mobile research units (MRUs), and mobile nursing, allow patients to take part in research that fits their lives whether at home, in a clinic, or at an MRU in the community.

By making trials more accessible and patient-centered, we reduce enrollment timelines, improve retention, and accelerate the development of therapies that better reflect real-world communities. Learn more about us at: www.lightship.com.

Lightship, a leading provider of community-based, decentralized clinical trial services, is appointing Darcy Forman as Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lightship Appoints Darcy Forman as Chief Operating Officer to Accelerate Expansion and Operational Excellence

At SCOPE 2025, David MacMurchy, CEO of Lightship, and Tim Joy, Head of Strategic Solutions, Information Management at Pfizer, shared their insights on how thoughtful collaboration and innovative trial models can help address long-standing challenges in clinical research.

The ongoing need for greater representation in clinical trials

How intentional, community-based engagement is driving meaningful progress

The sponsor’s role in building scalable, sustainable solutions

Strategic deployment of tools like mobile research units, home visits, and virtual components

Real-world case studies showcasing the impact of Lightship and Pfizer’s partnership

Lighthsip Pfizer SCOPE Conversation

At SCOPE 2025, Ligthship CEO David MacMurchy and Pfizer Head of Strategic Solutions Tim Joy discuss the industry challenge and where more needs to be done.

Implementing FDA Guidance Using Next-Gen Approaches to Representative Clinical Trial Recruitment & Design

Building a successful clinical research start-up is a high stakes endeavor, regardless of fluctuations in funding, the geopolitical climate, and macroeconomic headwinds. How can companies bring novel, innovative solutions that benefit investors, sponsors, investigators, and patients, and how can leaders work toward sustainable growth? The answer may be as simple (or complex) as business fundamentals.

Gain insights from Lightship’s co-founder, Samantha Eells, and CEO, David MacMurchy, on what a strong start-up needs to succeed. Read the full article in pharmaphorum.

Get insights from Lightship’s experts on the factors that drive long-term success for clinical research start-ups.

Which Companies Will Last? Success Begins With the Basics

Season of Giving 2023: An Inspiring Beginning

In 2023, Lightship and Acclinate launched our first annual Season of Giving — and it was a resounding success! Lightship and Acclinate are partnered to lead the way in offering more inclusive clinical trials by engaging people where they are. The first step to meaningful and trusted relationships with the people and communities we engage, is to give back to the communities we live and work in everyday​.

To honor the communities we serve, during November and December our teams across the United States volunteered their time to help the people and communities who give so much to us in clinical research.

“Lightship and Acclinate partnered to improve health equity in clinical research,” says Lightship Co-Founder Samantha Eells, “and by coming together to do the Season of Giving, we’re able to give back to the communities that give to us.”

We had fun and made a positive impact. Here’s a snapshot of the impact we made together.

In Birmingham, Lightship and Acclinate actively participated in a local initiative. Our teams came together at the Bush Hills Community Garden & Urban Farm, not just to volunteer, but to make a direct impact. We worked at the garden and helped distribute its fresh produce to local residents, directly supporting the health and wellness of the community.

This hands-on effort was matched by our involvement in the Bush Hills Community Holiday Gala, where we played a supporting role in bringing holiday cheer to the neighborhood.

Senior Director of Business Development Kyle Ashe of Acclinate summarizes our shared mission, “Our strategic partnership with Lightship is about improving access and education. Together, we’re not only pursuing business success, we’re committed to giving back to the community.” This sentiment fueled our actions as we invested our time and resources to support those around us.

Through these endeavors, Lightship and Acclinate have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement that goes beyond business as usual, reflecting a genuine dedication to the people who are at the heart of clinical research.

In November 2023, Lightship and Acclinate volunteered at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help combat hunger. Sepehr Shojaei, VP of design solutions at Lightship, shared his thoughts: “Typically, our work with Acclinate is in reaching underserved populations in the clinical trial space and increasing access and choice. We wanted to work with them in giving back to our communities and supporting those who have supported us throughout the year.”

That day, our teams assembled 1,257 food packages for Los Angeles County families.

These packages are vital, as the LA Food Bank plays a key role in feeding those in need, delivering meals through local organizations and direct programs.

Samantha Eells, co-founder of Lightship, shared her perspective: “At the food bank today, we’re putting together packages of food to give to different folks across L.A. County. Lightship’s mission is to improve access and choice in clinical research, and overall drive better health equity for all. By giving back to the communities that serve us, this helps improve the engagement around how we work with the people who give to us in volunteering their time in clinical research.”

This day of service went beyond volunteering; it was a clear demonstration of our core values, showing our dedication to enhancing health outcomes and the well-being of the communities we serve.

Lightship-Season-of-Giving-LA_VF

In December 2023, our teams supported the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s efforts to reduce hunger:

This food bank serves 34 counties and distributes 2 million pounds of food per week

600,000 people in the region experience food insecurity — half of which are kids and teens, with the second largest group being senior citizens

Food goes from the Raleigh distribution center to partner agencies/nonprofits like food kitchens and schools, as well as directly to families in need

During our volunteer shift we helped pack 19,515 pounds of sweet potatoes — equivalent to 16,292 meals! 

Kim Rose, Lightship VP of legal operations and one of the volunteers, emphasized the importance of the initiative, “This is the first year that Lightship is doing a Season of Giving, and we’re all very excited about it, and partnering with our friends at Acclinate to do this. ... It feels really important to be involved in the community and to give back when we can. Community involvement and community engagement is critical to everything that we’re trying to achieve as a company. It aligns with our goals and our mission to expand access, increase diversity in clinical trials, and just be a bigger and better part of our communities.”

Kyle reinforced the collaborative spirit, “A big piece of what we’re doing at Acclinate — and at Lightship, too,” says Kyle, “is community engagement work. ... Let’s use our hands together. This is how you create partnerships.”

This initiative has allowed Lightship and Acclinate to offer vital support and reinforce our commitment to community and collaboration, central to our missions.

lightship-season of giving- raleigh_vF

In addition to the major city events hosted by Lightship and Acclinate, we had many team members who don’t live near one of these hub cities step up to create Season of Giving contributions of their own:

In Washtenaw County, MI, a team member participated in a weeklong event in collaboration with Kroger and Food Gatherers to raise donations for 1 million meals to feed food insecure families

In Orange, NJ, a team member volunteered with Friends of Metcalf Park cleaning up and repainting park benches

In Napa, CA, team members delivered 25 meals to homebound seniors

In Tampa Bay, FL, a team member volunteered for a mobile pantry called Feeding Tampa Bay

Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial role in our Season of Giving, allowing every team member to join our mission of community support.

Lightship and Acclinate plan to continue Season of Giving events in 2024 and beyond and have invited additional health-focused and clinical trial industry partner companies to join in this effort.

“At Lightship, we spend every day trying to incrementally make the lives of our patients better by the way that we’re delivering clinical trials,” says Ellie Stewart, senior manager of design solutions. “What’s special about the Season of Giving is that generosity goes a long way and creates a positive cycle that impacts everyone’s life — not just the patients that we’re serving. … I love our partnership because it’s creating this positive cycle … for giving back and making sure we’re very community forward and community focused.”

Contact us if you’d like to be part of our next Season of Giving days of service. Together, we can make an annual impact on the communities that give their time to research.

Season of Giving 2023: An Inspiring Start

Rethinking Clinical Trial Community Engagement Through an End-to-End
Collaborative Approach

It’s no secret that improving clinical trial participation is essential, and it takes intentional
effort and careful planning to bring this goal to fruition. Rethinking how we approach
community engagement, with a focus on collaboration, can help drive results and build trust
in underserved communities.


In this presentation from Lightship’s Sepehr Shojaei and Acclinate’s Shayla Wilson,
discover:

Novel, collaborative approaches to community engagement for clinical trials, starting
from the top of the research funnel

Case studies that demonstrate the success of our efforts in improving trial access,
inclusion, and equity

Examples of innovative education and outreach strategies, from mobile research
units (MRUs) to community volunteering

Explore Lightship’s collaboration with Acclinate and our approach to clinical trial engagement in this presentation.

Scope 2024 Video

Rethinking Clinical Trial Engagement Through Collaboration

Lightship was thrilled and honored to participate in the 13th annual PharmaTimes Clinical Researcher of the Year – The Americas Awards. This competition included talented individuals and groups from across the pharmaceutical and life science industries, and Lightship’s Colleen Butler and Rachel Palumbo took home the GOLD prize for the startup team category. 

Check out this article in PharmaTimes for a recap of the event and a full list of winners. Congrats to all the finalists and champions! 

Start Up Team of the Year 2023 – The America's

This November and December, Lightship and Acclinate are working together on something new: their first annual Season of Giving. The two companies work together to provide more access and choice to patients, and to improve health equity in clinical research. Now, they are also teaming up to donate time and support to the communities where they live and work by encouraging team members to contribute to meaningful local causes.  

·      Los Angeles Regional Food Bank 

·      Bush Hills Community Garden & Urban Farm

·      Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

“This holiday season, we are giving back to communities that support us,” Lightship founder, Samantha Eells, explains. “People are the ones who make clinical research and advances in medicine possible, and we’re committed to giving back to them. That’s what this Season of Giving series of events with our partner Acclinate is all about — and we’d love to have even more clinical research industry companies participate.” 

Acclinate Chief Development Officer & Co-Founder, Tiffany Whitlow, is equally delighted to lead the Season of Giving: “By directly giving back to people in our communities in collaboration with Lightship and our community partners, we are continuing to bring our vision to life. We’re focusing on those most in need while honoring the communities that give to all of us.”

Lightship and Acclinate are extending an open call for other organizations interested in giving back to partner with them in future events. Use the contact information at the end of this announcement if interested. 

Lightship & Acclinate Season of Giving FAQ

What was the inspiration behind this first annual Season of Giving partnership?

 Lightship and Acclinate partnered to support more inclusive clinical trials that engage people where they are. An important part of engaging with and supporting communities that take part in clinical research is to give back in an ongoing way. This first Season of Giving is an expansion of Acclinate and Lightship working together to do more to support their communities.

“With Lightship celebrating our 5th birthday and this season being the 1-year anniversary of the Lightship-Acclinate partnership, it was the perfect time for us to plan to give back to the communities we live and work in every day,” says Samantha Eells.

Is there a long-term plan for community service and giving back?

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De-Risking Clinical Trials with an Expanded Access Site Model

Meet the Team: Tisha Hargrove, Senior Clinical Study Supply Coordinator