Health Equity and Clinical Research

  Sustainable Clinical Trials: The Pharmaceutical Industry's Path Forward Bridging Healthcare Innovation with Environmental Responsibility "We won't have a society if we destroy the environment."  - Margaret Mead The pharmaceutical industry plays a pivotal role in global health, spearheading the development of novel drugs and treatments that enhance and save lives. However, this paramount role also comes with its share of environmental consequences. Clinical trials, the foundational process of validating new drugs and treatments, significantly contribute to this ecological footprint. Environmental Impact of Clinical Trials Clinical trials conducted in 2020 generated approximately 2.3 million tons of waste 1 , including unused drugs, packaging materials, and medical devices. Unfortunately, much of this waste is in landfills, polluting our soil and water. Additionally, clinical trials require significant energy and leave a large carbon footprint due to participant trans