The pharmaceutical industry is doubling down on its commitment to diverse representation in clinical trials despite growing regulatory uncertainty and the suspension of formal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in some sectors of healthcare.
At the recent SCOPE 2025 summit, industry leaders emphasized that inclusive clinical research remains essential for scientific integrity and patient safety, regardless of the political climate surrounding DEI programs.
"Inclusive trials enhance patient trust in medications," said Pam Tenaerts, Chief Science Officer at Medable during the conference. She stressed that representation in clinical studies is not merely a social initiative but a scientific necessity to ensure medicines are effective for diverse populations.
Strategic Approaches to Enhance Trial Diversity
The industry is implementing several practical strategies to improve representation without explicitly framing them as DEI initiatives. One approach gaining traction is conducting clinical trials in locations where target patient populations are more prevalent.
For example, companies are increasingly running gastric carcinoma trials in Asia, where incidence rates are higher, and melanoma studies in regions with high sun exposure. This geographic targeting helps ensure that the patients most affected by specific conditions are adequately represented in the research.
Another strategy involves expanding the network of clinical research sites beyond traditional academic medical centers. By incorporating retail pharmacies and community clinical practices into research networks, companies aim to improve accessibility for patients who might otherwise be excluded from participation.
"We need to stand up for what is right for good science and for the patients most impacted by specific disease states, not just diversity for the sake of diversity," explained Rohit Nambisan, CEO at Lokavant, during a discussion at the summit.
Scientific Imperative Amid Political Uncertainty
The current political landscape has created significant challenges for formal DEI programs. With the suspension of digital health and technology committees and the removal of some diversity initiatives, industry leaders report a "chilling effect" on explicit diversity programs.
However, pharmaceutical executives are reframing the conversation around scientific rigor rather than social policy. They argue that testing medications in biased or non-representative populations creates unknown risks and potentially compromises treatment efficacy.
"The industry's role is to advocate for good science and ensure clinical research is conducted with the right representation," Nambisan emphasized. "This aligns with commercial goals as well, as testing biased populations could lead to unknown risks."
Building Trust Through Inclusive Research
Beyond the scientific imperative, industry leaders highlighted the connection between representative clinical trials and patient trust. In an era of growing healthcare distrust, ensuring that medications are tested in diverse populations helps build confidence among both patients and clinicians.
Sam Srivastava, CEO at WCG Clinical, noted during the summit that the life sciences industry faces significant challenges in building public trust amidst growing anger towards healthcare. Inclusive clinical trials represent one concrete way to demonstrate commitment to all patient populations.
Looking Forward: Science-Based Advocacy
As regulatory uncertainty continues, pharmaceutical companies appear to be adopting a science-first approach to diversity in clinical trials. Rather than framing representation as a social justice issue, they're emphasizing the scientific necessity of testing medications in populations that reflect the diversity of patients who will ultimately use them.
"The industry remains unwavering in the commitment to increased clinical trial accessibility and representation," noted multiple speakers at the summit, suggesting that regardless of the political environment, pharmaceutical companies recognize that diverse clinical trials are essential for developing safe and effective medications for all patients.
