Diversity of Site Staff Highly Associated with Diversity of Patients Enrolled Trials, According to Tufts
A new study just released by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (CSDD) shows that the proportion of a given race or ethnicity among investigative site personnel closely aligns with the corresponding race and ethnicity of patients enrolled in clinical trials at that site. The study also found that worldwide, regardless of geographic location, the diversity of patients enrolled in clinical trials is highly correlated with site personnel diversity.
The Tufts CSDD analysis is based on an online global survey of 3,462 principal investigators, study coordinators and site administrators. More than half of respondents are based in academic medical centers, large health systems and community hospitals; 43% are based in private physician practices, investigative sites, and site networks.
Key findings from the study are summarized in the November/December Tufts CSDD Impact Report, released today, and include the following:
- In the U.S., one-third of investigative site personnel in academic medical centers and community hospitals and nearly half of personnel in private sector research centers are representative of minority populations.
- Less than 10% of investigative site personnel in Europe are representative of minority populations.
- Among the most active therapeutic areas in drug development, infectious diseases, vaccines, and endocrinology have the most diverse clinical trial personnel.
- Investigative sites with highly diverse staff are more likely to view diversity as a critical success factor and to have developed operating practices encouraging diversity.
Improving Relationships and Diversifying the Site Selection Process
April 17th 2025In this episode of the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast, Liz Beatty, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Inato, discusses a number of topics around site engagement including community-based sites, the role of technology in improving site/sponsor relationships, how increased operational costs are impacting the industry, and more.
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.
FDA-Approved Gene Therapy Beqvez Shows Sustained Efficacy, Safety in Long-Term Hemophilia B Trial
April 17th 2025Beqvez (fidanacogene elaparvovec), an FDA-approved one-time gene therapy for hemophilia B, demonstrated sustained factor IX expression, low bleeding rates, and a favorable safety profile over long-term follow-up.
