Twenty tree years after the NIH created the Revitalization Act to increase the number of women and minorities in clinical trials, they still seem under-represented in drug trials.
Is that still the case?
There were some well-known drug trials where minorities were mistreated. Women were not even allowed to participate in trials for a long time.
Based on that history, there is still a perception that minorities and women still get hurt during those trials. It may not be true anymore, but the perception that it is still occurring keeps many minorities out of clinical trial participation.
On a positive note, it has changed over the recent decades, but the percentage of minorities participating in clinical trials is not where it should be or where researchers would like it to be.
Of course, many of the diseases that affect minorities need drugs to treat them. So, when there are fewer minorities to test the drugs, then clinical trials are hindered and cannot be completed.
It is known as “The Provider Problem” meaning there are not enough minority investigators and participants in clinical trials. The numbers of minority investigators and participants have increased over the years so there is progress.
Education in the minority community has helped. The FDA is also doing its part to encourage minority participation in clinical trials.
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