Jesutomi Akomolafe
The DIA Europe annual meeting in Basel, Switzerland, is a significant event in the European life sciences sector. This year, from March 18-20, 2025, the conference brought together over 1,500 attendees from more than 50 countries. The focus was on tackling pressing issues in science, healthcare, and clinical research, particularly the need for inclusivity in clinical trials.
Key Session on Inclusivity
One notable session was “Inclusion of Underserved Populations in Clinical Trials.” Martin Hadosi from Healthcare and Life Sciences, Kearney, and Marina Malikova from Boston Medical Center, highlighted the exclusion of marginalized groups. They argued this not only harms scientific integrity but also worsens health disparities.
Sharon Rivera-Sanchez’s Advocacy
Sharon Rivera-Sanchez, a Triple Negative breast cancer survivor, shared her experiences and the barriers she faced in clinical trials. She pointed out that only 4-5% of trial participants in the past 18 years were from Black and brown communities. Rivera-Sanchez founded “Trials of Color” to improve representation and ensure diverse populations are included in research.
Regulatory Landscape and Challenges
Panelists discussed the regulatory landscape, noting efforts by the FDA and EMA to increase diversity in clinical trials. The FDA’s 2020 guidelines for diversity plans in phase-three trials are a significant advancement. However, Marina Malikova stressed that these strategies still fall short, especially in including aging populations and women.
The Importance of Inclusivity
The dialogue emphasized that inclusivity is crucial for the scientific validity of trial results. Without diverse representation, the effectiveness and safety of treatments for broader populations remain uncertain.
Commitment to Change
The conference has been a key event for the European life sciences community for 37 years. This year, it demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing disparities in clinical research. The discussions highlighted both challenges and opportunities, urging stakeholders to prioritize diverse representation.
Panelists and Their Contributions
The panel included Dr. Christine Mayer-Nicolai from Merck AGA, Vasee Moorthy from the World Health Organization, and Francesca Cerrata from the EMA. Each brought valuable insights into regulatory and scientific policy, vaccine development, and clinical trial enhancement.
Sharon Rivera-Sanchez concluded with a call to action: “The mission is clear: we must bridge the gap.” The conference set a hopeful tone for the future of clinical trials and patient care, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovative solutions.
About the Writer:
Jesutomi Akomolafe is a dedicated cancer research advocate and global health consultant, committed to transforming cancer care in Africa and beyond through his work in public health advocacy and journalism. As the Communication and Health Advocacy Manager at Trials of Color, he collaborates globally to promote equity in cancer care, empowering underserved patients and communities with vital health information.
