Why Diversity in Clinical Trials Matters for Everyone's Health: It's Not Just a Statistic, It's Science
- knoor2
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Khutaija Noor, MBBS, FCR
Have you ever wondered why a medicine that works wonders for one person might not be as effective for another? It's a common and important question, and the answer often lies in something deeper than just a person's age or weight. It’s about who we are, where we come from, and the unique biology we each possess.
This is a problem the medical community is actively working to solve, and it's a primary reason why diversity in clinical trials is so crucial. A "one size fits all" approach to medicine simply doesn't work. To create treatments that are safe and effective for everyone, clinical research must include participants from all backgrounds.
The Scientific Imperative:
While it’s a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure everyone has a chance to participate in clinical research, the most compelling reason is purely scientific. The simple fact is that our bodies can react differently to medications, and these differences are often tied to factors like genetics, age, and ancestry.
* Genetics & Biology: Our genetic makeup can play a significant role in how our bodies process and respond to drugs. For example, certain genetic variations, particularly in the VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes, which are more common in people of East Asian descent can make them more sensitive to the blood thinner warfarin, meaning a standard dose could be too high and cause dangerous bleeding (1). Similarly, some high blood pressure medications, like ACE inhibitors, have been shown to be less effective in people of African ancestry (2). By including diverse populations in trials, researchers can better understand these variations and develop treatments with a broader, more predictable impact.
* Disease Prevalence: Certain health conditions disproportionately affect specific racial and ethnic groups. For instance, according to the CDC, adults who are non‑Hispanic Black are about 30% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes; Hispanic adults are about 15% more likely to be diagnosed than non‑Hispanic White adults (3). Researching new diabetes treatments without adequate representation from these communities would mean developing a therapy without fully understanding its impact on the very people who need it most.
* Safety & Efficacy: When a clinical trial lacks a diverse group of participants, the data collected can create an incomplete picture. In 2020, over 75% of participants in clinical trials for new drugs were white, despite minority groups making up nearly 40% of the U.S. population (4). This creates a significant gap in our knowledge. A treatment might be approved based on data from one population, only to have unknown side effects or reduced effectiveness when used by people from a different background.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Amicis Clinical Trials, we believe that medical progress should benefit everyone, and that begins with our commitment to diversity. We are dedicated to making our clinical trials accessible and welcoming to all individuals. This means:
* Multilingual Resources: We provide clear, easy-to-understand information about our trials in multiple languages to ensure language is never a barrier to participation.
* Support & Accessibility: We understand that participating in a trial can be challenging. We offer support to help reduce barriers, including assistance with transportation and flexible scheduling to accommodate participants’ needs.
Your Participation Is a Contribution to the Future
Think of it this way: when you participate in a clinical trial, you’re not just a patient. You are a pioneer, contributing to a scientific effort that will shape the future of medicine for your family, your community, and generations to come.
Your unique background and health experience are invaluable pieces of the puzzle that researchers need to solve some of the world's most complex health challenges.
Ready to learn more about how you can contribute to a healthier future for everyone?
Explore our currently enrolling studies and find out if you qualify. Your journey to helping science starts here.
References:
Dean, L. (2018). Warfarin therapy and VKORC1 and CYP genotype.
Helmer A, Slater N, Smithgall S. A Review of ACE Inhibitors and ARBs in Black Patients with Hypertension. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2018;52(11):1143-1151. doi:10.1177/1060028018779082