Abbott urges CROs, sponsors to increase trial diversity

CROs and sponsors should implement more inclusive hiring policies and educate potential participants from underrepresented groups about the benefits of drug and device research, according to new analysis.

The recommendations – which also included ideas such as the provision of trial materials in multiple languages and the use of tech to encourage at-home participation - were detailed in a publication by Abbott as part of its “Diversity in Clinical Trials” initiative.

The measures are designed to address the major hurdles – specifically the lack of trust, lack of transparency, lack of access, and lack of a common language – that prevent people from underrepresented groups from taking part in studies.

Enhancing diversity is vital for drug research, according to one of the authors Jennifer Jones-McMeans, divisional vice president of global clinical affairs for Abbott’s vascular business and co-lead of Abbott’s Diversity in Research Office.

“Much of the medical information we have today is based on clinical research that doesn’t include enough women and other underrepresented groups. The recommendations in this new publication provide a roadmap to ensure a more inclusive healthcare system for everyone,” she said.

This was echoed by Danielle Bajakian, MD at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “Abbott’s insightful publication provides recommended strategies based on years of research and analysis that will help ensure adequate representation in clinical trials across diverse demographics.

“Ultimately, I need to be able to look my patients in the eye and say this treatment has been studied on patients like them, and this is why we should be using this therapy.”

Diversity

Abbott’s initiative has been running for three years. The aim, according to the US device and health care developer, is to make its own trials more representative and serve as a diversity best practices guide for others.

And Abbott says the effort is working. In 2023, females made up 54% of Abbott’s clinical trial participation in the US, while Hispanic/non-white people made up 44%, which are in line with census data.

Furthermore, as part of the initiative, the firm has awarded scholarships through partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and nursing associations to increase the number of doctors, nurses, and research coordinators who can run trials.

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