Merck’s Dr. Adrelia Allen emphasizes need for clinical trial diversity, especially for African Americans

NEW ORLEANS – While the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is known for fun times, great food, and link-ups with friends. However, it is a time for poignant conversation. Dr. Adrelia Allen is the Executive Director of Clinical Trial Patient Diversity at Merck, Inc. Merck is a global biopharmaceutical company. Before she spoke at the Global Black Economic Forum, Allen discussed how the lack of representation in the research of new treatments can impact our lives. First and foremost, clinical trials are research studies that test a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention in people. These trials are the primary way that researchers determine if a new form of treatment or prevention, such as a new drug, diet, or medical device (for example, a pacemaker), is safe and effective in people. “We know that there are differences in how drugs work in different races,” Allen explained. “And for African Americans, knowing that we have the highest mortality of many diseases and cancers, we cannot wait. So it was definitely imperative for Merck to be here. And when we think about who’s attending ESSENCE, and knowing that [the audience is largely] Black women. When you educate a man, you educate an individual. But...