APBI calls for greater participant diversity in industry studies 

15 June 2025. Related: Early access, Special reports, Research studies.

Simon Collins, HIV i-Base

A new publication from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (APBI) and the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) outlines proposals for a more equitable basis for enrolment into clinical research studies. [1]

This is a report from a stakeholder workshop earlier this year that included community, research and industry perspectives on improving diversity in clinical research. The focus on diversity in the UK is essential given the attempts by the current US administration to reverse years of progress by cancelling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies since 20 January. [2]

Many of the barriers to greater equity have been raised by community organisations for decades, including social, political, economic, educational and practical issues. Greater inclusivity would generate study results in people who more closely reflect the characteristics of the population likely to use new drugs once they are approved. [3]

One proposal from the meeting is to develop a roadmap for the future with action points that include improving diversity in research studies, building trust with community groups and to change restrictive regulations, also working with appropriate regulatory organisations.

However, the report also refers to ‘seamlessly integrating patient input into every stage of a drug’s lifecycle – from initial research and development through clinical trials, regulatory approval and commercialisation’.

However the APBI’s own Code of Practice is interpreted by some drug companies to exclude discussions about their HIV treatment or prevention drugs or drug pipeline with community organisations, including the UK Community Advisory Board (UK-CAB).

These guidelines also have a very restricted definition of health professionals that fails to include community advocates.

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