HHS Launches New Campaign to Improve Diversity in Lupus Clinical Trials

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.   HHS Launches New Campaign to Improve Diversity in Lupus Clinical Trials Let's Take Charge Focuses on Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new public education campaign that aims to increase racial and ethnic minority participation in lupus clinical trials. The Let's Take Charge campaign, developed by the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE), intends to increase diversity in clinical trial participation which helps to ensure that future medical products are safe and effective for everyone living with lupus. Lupus is a chronic and often debilitating autoimmune disease that has a disparate impact on racial and ethnic minorities and diverse populations. Although anyone can get lupus, the disease is more common in women than in men, with nine out of 10 people living with lupus being women. The disease also is more prevalent in people of color. Lupus occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells, tissues, and organs. It can cause additional health issues such as heart complications, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and neurological issues. Currently, there are limited treatments for lupus, and increased research with participants from diverse backgrounds may help expand the available options.   The Let's Take Charge multi-media campaign uses radio and television ads, social media, and other communications platforms to promote awareness and diversity in lupus clinical trials. The campaign will focus on Black, Latino, Asian, and American Indian and Alaska Native populations. "Let's Take Charge invites the diverse scope of people affected by lupus to influence the development of treatments and medical products that can improve their quality of life," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and OMH Director, RADM Felicia Collins, M.D. "We want patients to understand that they play a crucial role in developing new medical products that not only may help them, but also may be of service to generations to come." "Historically, clinical trials for lupus have not always reflected the diversity of the people living with the disease, said FDA Associate Commissioner for Minority Health and OMHHE Director, RADM Richardae Araojo, PharmD. "With so few treatment options, ensuring that racial and ethnic minorities are included in clinical trials is a must for developing new treatments for people living with lupus." HHS OMH and FDA OMHHE invite organizations and partners to share Let's Take Charge resources and materials and to encourage people living with lupus, especially those from racial and ethnic minorities and diverse communities, to consider participating in lupus clinical trials.  For more information about the Let's Take Charge campaign, visit www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/LetsTakeCharge. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook @MinorityHealth to learn more about our resources, healthcare tips, conferences, events and more.       GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of Office of Minority Health · 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20852 · 1 800-444-6472