How dearth of black women in clinical research worsens health

For many, the July 2023 announcement was a cause for celebration and optimism: The Food and Drug Administration had approved a new Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, which appeared to slow the progression of the disease in its earliest stages. But would it help black women, the group of people that data shows is most disproportionately impacted by the disease? Researchers wish they could say—but a critical shortage of black women in the study leaves them unable to adequately assess the answer. Only 10 black women in the US had received Leqembi when scientists were testing it—less than 1 per cent of the some-1,800 participants in the 18-month trial. This, despite the fact that two women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for every man, and that black women are twice as likely as white women to experience its devastating effects. “That’s just bad science. It’s not representative of the people who are disproportionately affected,” says Carl Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Without appropriate participation, it’s impossible to get a complete and accurate understanding of Alzheimer’s in the US, much less efficacy and safety.” FDA spokespeople declined to answer questions about the Leqembi approval process, saying in a...