Did you know that Black and Hispanic people are more likely to have kidney failure, but few participate in research studies? Unfortunately, this underrepresentation contributes to, and perpetuates, the health disparities many minority patients face in the U.S. Addressing these disparities by providing appropriate care starts with diverse population involvement in research. Learn more about how more diverse participation in clinical trials can lead to better and more equitable health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities.*

What are clinical trials?

Do you receive dialysis, or take medications for high blood pressure or diabetes? Before you and other patients were able to receive these treatments, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had to approve them for use. Approval is only given after drug and other treatment companies have conducted clinical trials that show their treatments are safe and effective. Clinical trials involve human participants who voluntarily enroll in the study. These studies are conducted only after a series of tests have already been done with animals, and there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the drug or other treatment is safe for human use.

The process of FDA approval often takes years. Each phase of a clinical trial must answer specific questions, and enough data must be gathered over time to provide these answers.

• Phase 1: Is the drug or other treatment safe?
• Phase 2: How much of the drug/treatment is needed to achieve the desired effect?
• Phase 3: Is it safe and effective for a variety of people? How does this drug/treatment differ from others already on the market? Does a better one exist? 

(If this phase is successful, the treatment or drug is submitted for FDA approval.)

Once a drug or other treatment has been approved and placed on the market, the manufacturer continues to monitor its safety and effectiveness in the general population. This is considered Phase 4 of a clinical trial.  

What is the racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials?

In the United States, more than one-third of kidney failure patients are black. Moreover, Hispanic patients are nearly 1.5 times more likely to have kidney failure compared to non-Hispanics. These minority communities make up a large percentage of people experiencing kidney failure, yet only 1 in 10 patients are participating in clinical trials. 

Testing treatments and medications with a diverse population is key to learning the effectiveness and safety among all patients. Reactions to medications vary depending on race, ethnicity, age, gender, and various other genetic factors. 

What needs to be done to diversify clinical trials?

Addressing systemic racism and inequities in the social determinants of health is also key to resolving health disparities. Reverend Traci Blackmon, a former nurse and nationally known social justice advocate, says many cities have minorities living in neighborhoods that are food deserts with few green spaces. These communities also offer fewer jobs, lower home values, and limited opportunities for quality education. 

Societal and institutional barriers need to be torn down to allow for better health outcomes to occur for minority communities. Improving health education and access to care is imperative. Patients, families, clinicians, and community health advocates need to work together to eliminate disparities. 

How can I help?

As an advocate for improving CKD care, you can help by sharing your knowledge in your community about the importance of diversifying clinical trials. If you or a loved one is interested in joining a clinical trial, speak with your doctor about your eligibility for available studies.

*Why is Racial and Ethnic Diversity Important in Clinical Trials? (2022, April). NephU. https://nephu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/US.CORP_.X.22.00303-NephU-Infographic-Patient-Clinical-Trials-Diversity-April-2022.pdf

“Clinical Trials Face A Diversity Problem.” by WNPR – Connecticut Public Radio is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0