Health Equity and Clinical Research

  Pharmaceutical companies have a unique role to play in our society – not just supplying vital medicines, but also in contributing to the socio-economic health of our communities."   - Emma Walmsley, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline.   In today's evolving world, the social determinants of health (SDOH) are gaining widespread recognition for their role in health outcomes. These determinants encompass a variety of factors that influence health outcomes, including economic stability, education, social and community context, health and healthcare, and neighborhood and built environment. They are the conditions in which people live, grow, work, and age. From CDC For far too long, the focus of healthcare, and more so the pharmaceutical industry, has been centered around the development and distribution of therapeutics. However, an emerging perspective urges the industry to look beyond this traditional role. As stakeholders in the ecosystem of healthcare, pharmaceutical l companies shou...

    Diversity in Clinical Trials: A Strategic and Economic Game-Changer? Editorial by Brian J. Stowell "We are not makers of history. We are made by history."  - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Introduction In the evolving landscape of clinical trials, supplier and patient diversity programs are no longer seen as merely ethical or compliance requirements—they are strategic imperatives. They enhance the overall efficacy of clinical trials, influence competitive differentiation, and contribute to economic growth. This article will unravel how these diversity programs can provide a strategic advantage, deliver measurable economic benefits, and, most importantly, improve health outcomes for diverse patient populations. Supplier Diversity Programs Supplier diversity programs encourage the inclusion of diverse suppliers, such as minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses, in the procurement process for clinical trials. Not only does this lead to a more innovative and resilien...