Eshoo, Kelly, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Bill to Strengthen Diversity in Clinical Trials
Statement
Today Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) introduced the Diverse and Equitable Participation in Clinical Trials (DEPICT) Act, legislation aimed at boosting diversity in clinical trials by requiring enhanced data reporting on clinical trial demographics and providing resources to improve access to clinical trials.
"Diverse clinical trials are critical to ensuring that biomedical research is robust and equitable so that all Americans can be confident that the treatments being developed work for patients, regardless of their backgrounds. Unfortunately, clinical trials overwhelmingly fail to achieve a level of diversity reflective of the disproportionate burden of diseases, such as Covid-19, on underrepresented racial and ethnic communities," said Eshoo. "The DEPICT Act addresses this lack of diversity by requiring improved reporting standards for clinical trials and boosting resources, such as workshops and community health center grants, to improve access to clinical trials in underrepresented communities."
"Clinical trials that are representative of all demographics are vital to improving health equity and efficacy for all populations," said Fitzpatrick. "I am proud to support the bipartisan DEPICT Act, which will enhance reporting on clinical trial diversity and representation and provide resources to underrepresented communities to improve access and participation in clinical trials."
"For far too long, the science we rely on for disease treatments, interventions and cures has not been fully researched across racial and ethnic communities. This erodes public trust in the science, researchers, and public health officials," said Kelly. "Therefore, I am pleased to co-lead the DEPICT Act with my colleagues Representatives Eshoo and Fitzpatrick. This bill will establish important guidelines for FDA and ensure that Black and Brown communities are represented in clinical trial research so that they have equitable access to state-of-the-art treatment, medications, and medical devices."
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