Accountability in clinical trial diversity: The buck stops where?

Abstract

If the Pfizer and Moderna Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) studies taught us one thing, it is that clinical trials can better reflect the diverse demographics of the population. Why then, do not most other Phase 3 clinical trials account for the diversity of the population who will most likely use the drug? Most do not, because there is no accountability. In developing the COVID-19 vaccine, industry and its partners were well aware of their mandate: develop a vaccine quickly that would be acceptable and legitimate to the public.