Bristol Myers Squibb Evolves and Expands Standing in the Gaap to Advance More Equitable Care in Multiple Myeloma as Program Marks Ten Years

Key Takeaways

• Survey will involve over 1,000 multiple myeloma patients and caregivers.
• Program has reached 5,000 attendees and 60,000 digital community members.
• Focus expands beyond African American patients to broader underserved groups.
• Insights will guide future BMS community engagement and partnerships.
• Collaboration includes major advocacy groups like IMF and MMRF.

Summary

Bristol Myers Squibb announced the evolution of its Standing in the Gaap program, expanding its reach to address equity gaps in multiple myeloma care. The initiative will launch one of the largest U.S. multiple myeloma surveys, targeting more than 1,000 patients, caregivers, and providers, especially in underserved communities. Since 2016, the program has engaged over 5,000 attendees and built a digital community of nearly 60,000 members, originally focusing on African‑American patients. BMS will use survey insights to shape future education, partnerships, and community‑driven solutions.

Pulse Analysis

Multiple myeloma remains one of the most heterogeneous blood cancers, with outcomes heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors and geographic location. Bristol Myers Squibb’s Standing in the Gaap program, launched in 2016, was an early response to the stark disparities faced by African‑American patients, a group historically underrepresented in clinical research. Over a decade, the initiative has built a robust educational platform, delivering more than 50 programs and cultivating a digital network of roughly 60,000 participants. This foundation positions BMS to address broader inequities across the entire multiple myeloma ecosystem.

The centerpiece of the program’s evolution is an ambitious, data‑driven survey that will engage over 1,000 patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Developed in partnership with leading advocacy organizations such as the International Myeloma Foundation and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the questionnaire is designed to move beyond anecdotal evidence, quantifying barriers like diagnostic delays, insurance hurdles, and cultural mistrust. By centering community voices at scale, BMS aims to translate qualitative insights into actionable strategies—ranging from targeted educational content to localized support services—thereby closing gaps that persist despite advances in therapy.

For the broader oncology landscape, BMS’s approach signals a shift toward evidence‑based, patient‑centric equity initiatives. The survey findings will likely inform not only BMS’s own outreach but also industry standards for inclusive research design and real‑world evidence collection. As payers and regulators increasingly demand demonstrable value beyond clinical efficacy, such community‑derived data can become a differentiator, guiding reimbursement models and shaping future partnership ecosystems. Ultimately, the program underscores how pharmaceutical leaders can leverage advocacy collaboration to drive systemic change while reinforcing their market position in high‑growth therapeutic areas like multiple myeloma.