Mobile Research Unit (MRU) Services

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

Expanding Access to Better Care

We bring clinical trials directly to communities—making participation simpler, more inclusive, and effective.

Lightship MRUs connect research sites and participants, providing a controlled, comfortable environment for study visits. They streamline patient recruitment and pre-screening, improve patient retention and increase site capacity.

Fully Functional, Fully Accessible Research Sites

Lightship’s MRUs bring the full capabilities of a clinical research site directly to participants, eliminating the need for travel and expanding access. 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. 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 in communities.

Accessibility Without Limits

MRUs bring trials directly to participants, eliminating travel and increasing accessibility, whilst providing a trusted alternative to the home.

Streamlined Pre-Screening

On-site pre-screening with biospecimen collection and point-of-care assessments streamlines eligibility and recruitment processes.

Customized Study Visits

Advanced tools and customizable equipment, including IMP storage capabilities, enable MRUs to meet diverse study requirements.

Regulatory-Ready Operations

FDA-aligned MRU design ensures compliance, flexibility, and scalability for decentralized trials.

How it works

Lightship’s MRUs bring clinical trials directly to participants, removing obstacles and ensuring patient-centered care. Here's how we deliver results:

Community Outreach & Engagement

Partnering with local organizations, we build trust and raise awareness about clinical trials to engage and inform communities.

Detailed Pre-Screening

Immediate, on-site assessments with PI oversight help us quickly identify eligible participants, ensuring seamless and efficient recruitment.

Comprehensive Study Visits

Study activities are conducted in our MRUs, offering a comfortable, convenient and controlled environment for participants throughout their visit.

Case Study

Effective Community Engagement for a Rare-Disease Dermatology Study

Lightship partnered with a top 10 pharmaceutical company to enhance participant recruitment and pre-screening for a rare-disease dermatology study. With a focus on increasing awareness and making trials more accessible, Lightship leveraged a community-based approach to connect with the right individuals

Key Outcomes:

1M+ Individuals Reached: Lightship’s digital advertising campaign reached over 1 million people, driving awareness for the rare disease and the study
16,200+ Attendees Engaged: Through 36 community events, Lightship's MRUs interacted with over 16,200 individuals, educating them on clinical research.
108 Pre-Screened: Of 16,200+ engaged individuals, 108 were pre-screened. With the condition affecting less than 1% of the population and many undiagnosed, this outcome demonstrates success in identifying eligible participants
50% Referral Rate: Of those pre-screened, 50% were referred to study sites as pre-qualified participants, increasing the likelihood of successful enrollment

Approach:

Pre-Event Advertising: Targeted digital ads promoted each community event, providing key information about the study and activities available at the event
On-Site Engagement: Lightship’s MRUs provided a direct, hands-on experience, where staff engaged with attendees, provided materials, and helped those interested complete the pre-screening survey

Integrated clinical trial services

Lightship offers tailored services designed to meet your unique clinical trial needs. Whether you integrate seamlessly or use them as independent solutions, we help you ensure the best outcome.

Decentralized Trial Services

Hybrid Trial Services

Mobile Research Unit

Mobile Nursing Unit

Why Lightship?

Lightship’s MRUs redefine accessibility and inclusivity in clinical research, ensuring seamless study delivery for patients and sponsors. Our approach ensures:

Trusted community partnerships that foster awareness and participation

Convenient, patient-focused care that meets participants where they are

Streamlined pre-screening and recruitment processes for efficient enrollment

Advanced on-site technology for accurate, real-time data collection

Go Where Technology Can’t Take You

Lightship MRUs offer controlled, convenient study  environments that close gaps in clinical research.

Let’s discuss how MRUs streamline participant identification, screening assessments, and study visits while improving   trust, engagement and retention.