Merck Executive Works to Bridge Racial Gap in Clinical Trials

Dr. Adrelia Allen is working to bridge the racial participation gap in clinical trials at Merck, where she serves as executive director of Clinical Trial Patient Representation.

Allan's efforts aim to make participation in clinical research an everyday discussion in Black communities, rather than a last-minute conversation between doctors and newly diagnosed patients.

She believes that by offering transportation assistance, supporting caregivers, and making visits more flexible, pharmaceutical companies can help alleviate barriers to participation for underrepresented groups.

'The main reason we see Black and other underrepresented communities participating in clinical trials is they haven’t been asked,' Allen said.