Five Data-Informed Principles for Advancing Inclusive Research in Clinical Trials: A Pharma Perspective

Advancing inclusive research (AIR) in clinical trials requires frameworks and metrics for assessing real-world data and measuring population science. Because different factors drive health inequities and variables in measuring population science, relying on one metric for measuring progress may have limitations. Five principles (5Ps) are proposed for AIR globally that form the basis for a data-informed framework to measure and systematically define inclusive research to ensure rigor and benchmarking within organizations and across the broader sector. The first principle addresses biological, genetic, and population science considerations and their responsible use as data elements. The second principle pertains to using data to inform global region, country, and site placement, which includes geographical proportionality in trial enrollment, enabled access and commercialization strategies, and representative real-world demographic representation. The third principle is developing a data-informed and user-informed approach to end-to-end inclusive trial design. The fourth principle integrates patient-reported data collection standards and initiatives supporting complete and consistent clinical trial collection. The fifth principle enables trial access by demonstrating trustworthiness, improving patient navigation, and providing assistance programs. These 5Ps can be used as an end-to-end measurable framework using reference metrics, reproducible data, and methodologies for AIR in clinical development.

Infographic available for this article.