Researchers at two California universities reviewed pivotal clinical trials done between 2017 and 2023. They found that only a small share of trials used to approve new drugs reflect the United States racial and ethnic makeup. Enrollment of Black and Hispanic people fell from 2021, while Asian participation rose and white participation stayed mainly steady.
The study notes many trials follow International Council for Harmonisation standards and take place in a few regions. It says much of Africa and large parts of Latin America are rarely included. The authors recommend setting diversity goals early, choosing testing locations to match local needs, and collecting biological samples to study drug responses.
Difficult words
- trial — a medical study to test a medicineclinical trials, trials
- enrollment — the act of people joining a study
- diversity — the presence of many different kinds of peoplediversity goals
- region — a large area of a country or worldregions
- sample — a small biological part taken for studybiological samples
- approve — to officially allow or accept something
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Discussion questions
- Why is it important for drug trials to include people from different racial and ethnic groups?
- What can researchers do to include people from Africa or Latin America?
- Would you join a clinical trial? Why or why not?
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