Increasing Diversity in Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials are essential steps to bringing new products to market, ensuring their safety and efficacy. It is crucial to involve a diverse range of participants from various communities in these trials, because where we live, how we live, and our backgrounds can impact health outcomes. Additionally, the safety and effectiveness of medications can vary based on factors like age, ethnicity, sex, and race.   One significant challenge faced by iBIO’s members is ensuring diverse representation in clinical trials. When certain groups of people are underrepresented in research, it can lead to gaps in our understanding of their health. This lack of diversity can perpetuate a cycle where new treatments are most effective for the group that was studied the most.   We are seeking recommendations for how to improve diversity in clinical trials to reduce biases, promote health equity and produce more innovative science. Your challenge is to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote diversity and representation in clinical trials. This strategy should address barriers such as limited access to healthcare, cultural perceptions, educational disparities, and systemic inequalities. The ultimate goal is to achieve equitable participation across demographics, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to these critical research endeavors.These recommendations should demonstrate an understanding of the complex issues driving the current lack of diversity and consider recruitment as well as retention strategies. Consideration should be given to legal and ethical principles of clinical trial research.