Takeda's Commitment to Diversity in Clinical Trials Shapes Future of Research

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company is taking significant steps to ensure diverse representation in clinical trials, a move that could revolutionize drug development and patient care. The company's efforts focus on increasing awareness, education, and access to clinical trials for underrepresented populations, addressing a longstanding issue in pharmaceutical research.

Enhancing Trial Equity and Representation

At the forefront of this initiative is Angel Akinbinu, Takeda's director of trial equity and representation. Akinbinu's personal experiences have fueled her passion for this work. "We never knew it was even an option," she recounts, referring to her family's lack of awareness about clinical trials when her sister was diagnosed with a rare disease.

Akinbinu leads a team responsible for implementing strategies to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation in Takeda's clinical research. Their approach encompasses partnerships and outreach programs designed to connect people from various backgrounds with information about clinical trials.

The Importance of Diverse Representation in Drug Development

The significance of diverse representation in clinical trials extends beyond ethical considerations to the efficacy and safety of drugs. Akinbinu highlights a critical example: "Some drugs have been put on the market without being studied in key patient populations." She describes a case where a drug caused severe dehydration in older individuals, an effect that would have been missed if testing had been limited to those aged 18 to 65.

Jonathan Butko, patient recruitment and retention creative lead at Takeda, emphasizes that more representative trials "can ensure that drugs are safe and effective on a larger scale."

Innovative Approaches to Patient Engagement

Takeda's strategy for increasing trial representation begins with building awareness about clinical research. The company is expanding its outreach beyond traditional health fairs to include non-healthcare spaces such as places of worship and social clubs.

"We're trying to move away from waiting for people to seek out the information to us taking the information to them wherever they are," Akinbinu explains. This approach aligns with Takeda's values of integrity, fairness, honesty, and perseverance.

Butko and his team are developing targeted communication strategies for younger generations, who will become the clinical trial participants of the future. Their focus is on creating authentic, relatable content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Takeda's WeConnect website serves as a key tool in this effort, using accessible language to explain complex concepts related to clinical trials. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to breaking down barriers and demystifying the clinical research process for potential participants.