African Americans are disproportionately affected by sarcoidosis, yet significantly underrepresented in clinical trials for potential treatments, according to a new report by the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR).
Bernie Mac (above) died from sarcoidosis in 2008.
The analysis, conducted in partnership with Acclinate, a healthcare technology company focused on diversifying clinical trials, found that out of 3,085 sarcoidosis patients across 35 clinical trials, only 17% were African American, despite the group making up over 30% of the total patient population.
Sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease that causes lumps of cells to form in various organs, impacts an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Americans. African Americans are three times more likely to develop the condition compared to white Americans and tend to experience more severe symptoms.
The FSR aims to address this disparity by launching a Clinical Trial Selector tool on their website, allowing sarcoidosis patients to easily find and enroll in relevant trials. Mary McGowan, CEO of FSR, emphasized the importance of inclusive research, stating, “It is critical that clinical trials include diverse patient populations to ensure potential treatments are safe and effective for all those affected by sarcoidosis.”
See “Sarcoidosis Affects Black Americans More Than Others. Clinical Trials Can Change That” (May 30, 2024)
