The representation of diversity in clinical trials is fundamental for public health and ensures that developed therapeutics are adequate for the patients who will use them. Many populations have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials. Diversity in race and ethnicity is equally as important as diversity in biology, gender, and sexual orientation. Unfortunately, there are longstanding barriers to recruiting underrepresented patient populations. It includes mistrust in the healthcare research system due to systemic abuses, aspects of the trial design such as inadequate recruitment and retention efforts, and social determinants of health (SDoH) such as lack of transportation or cultural differences.

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