Abbott launched new initiatives to create a more inclusive clinical trial environment with the help of innovative approaches to educate, train, and improve the clinical research infrastructures in the United States. This effort will further support Abbott’s commitment for engaging populations who have an under-presented population in medical research historically. In addition, it will help improve health by offering access to innovative treatment options which are easily available within the trial process and growing insights around how different groups react to innovative therapies.
People from different cultural backgrounds and diverse ethnic makeup around 40% of the United States population and are disproportionately influenced by chronic diseases like diabetes & cardiovascular ailments. But still, due to the societal and historical barriers, such groups are still under-presented in clinical trials. However, such a gap is continuously increasing the health equity challenges and further restricting the option for patients suffering from complex health diseases.
Abbott’s new initiatives are focused on lowering barriers to access and improve the company’s focus on enhancing diversity within its own clinical trials. Such initiatives will also help Abbott’s 2030 sustainability plan, which is focused on reducing the barriers for affordability & access, removing barriers to fulfill its purpose of helping people live healthier & fuller lives, and addressing health disparities.
Abbott’s new initiative includes:
Funding and scholarships for future trial leaders
The company has partnered with four HBCU medical schools, namely Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Howard University College of Medicine, National Black Nurses Association, and National Association of Hispanic Nurses. In addition, the company has also decided to fund nearly $5 million over the next five years to encourage the next generation of researchers, doctors, and nurses to carry on clinical trials.
Diversity in Research Medical Advisory Board
The diversity in research Medical Advisory Board (MAB) of the company is made up of independent health advocates, trialists, and doctors will counsel on the ways to lower the barriers to access the under-represented population and communities of color to offer feedback on how Abbott can help to drive the diversity enrollment.
Dedicated internal funding to improve access to Abbott trials
Abbott will offer internal funding to enhance their access for females and the under-presented community within Abbott’s trials. This initiative will further encourage the additional trial sites for Abbott.
Convening Industry for Change
The company convenes trialists, industry experts, patient advocates, and a diverse set of physician thought leaders to build and publish an open-source perspective to bring key learnings and enhance clinical trial diversity in the healthcare sector.
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