AstraZeneca addresses lack of ethnically diverse patients in clinical trials

Apr 20 2007

To address the lack of ethnically diverse patients in clinical trials across the U.S., AstraZeneca has announced, in collaboration with the National Medical Association (NMA) and the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons (ICPS), new efforts to increase ethnically diverse physician investigator participation in clinical trials.

Through increased educational and clinical trial investigator certification opportunities, these efforts aim to educate and encourage diverse physicians to become investigators who can then successfully recruit and retain diverse patients to participate in future clinical trials.

Currently, African American physicians represent about three percent of physicians in the U.S., and Hispanics represent less than three percent(i). Given that only 13 percent(ii) of all physicians in the U.S. participate as investigators in clinical trials, it is clear that diverse physicians are underrepresented in this role(iii).

"Through our partnerships with the National Medical Association and the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons, AstraZeneca is taking an important first step to address the disparity of minority representation in clinical trials," said Cathy Bonuccelli, MD, vice president, External Scientific Affairs, AstraZeneca. "We acknowledge there is much to be done when it comes to addressing this issue, so we are committed to continuing our partnerships with NMA and ICPS, and working together to increase diverse clinical trial participation in the U.S."

Physicians with ethnically diverse backgrounds are an important part of the clinical trial process because they are more likely to treat minority patients(iv) and can provide valuable insights into the cultural nuances of specific communities.(v) Therefore, the increased participation of ethnically diverse physicians in clinical trials helps ensure the most relevant research outcomes and the development of more targeted treatment options.

AstraZeneca will address participation of diverse physicians in the clinical trial process by supporting initiatives spearheaded by NMA, which represents more than 30,000 African American physicians, and ICPS, a network of more than 39,000 Hispanic physicians throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The partnership will strengthen Project IMPACT, an NMA program focused on increasing African American participation in clinical trials, and support ICPS' Hispanic Physicians Network, an initiative that recruits Hispanic physicians to participate in clinical trials by providing tools and resources at the local level.

The National Medical Association recognizes that the lack of African American physicians as clinical trial investigators has a significant impact on health outcomes for African American patients. "The inadequate representation of minority physicians engaged in clinical research impacts the quality of medical care provided to our racially and ethnically diverse patient population," said Albert Morris, MD, president, National Medical Association. "It is imperative that we elevate the level of knowledge of clinical research in our communities and achieve greater participation of minorities in clinical trials if we are to improve the quality of care provided to our patients. This is why the National Medical Association has partnered with AstraZeneca to strengthen and support initiatives such as Project IMPACT (Increase Minority Participation and Awareness of Clinical Trials)."

"The Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons is committed to increasing diversity in clinical trials to improve health status and outcomes for specific populations and is doing so through programs such as the Hispanic Research Network," said Rene Rodriguez, MD, president, Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons. "By partnering with AstraZeneca, our goal is to reach Hispanic physicians with the tools and resources they need to take a leadership role in clinical trial management and recruitment."

Providing significant grants to both organizations to be distributed over the next five years solidifies AstraZeneca's commitment to discovering, developing and delivering effective medicine and treatment options for diverse populations. It also creates an ongoing partnership with the National Medical Association and the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons that will ensure physicians of diverse backgrounds receive the education and tools they need to participate as investigators in clinical trials.

http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/