Any time an administration changes hands, industries across the country brace for shifts in policy and regulatory oversight. This is particularly true in sectors like healthcare and clinical research, where federal initiatives often set the tone for corporate priorities. However, the transition of power in January 2025 was met with an unprecedented level of disruption. The swift and sweeping executive orders that followed redefined the national conversation around health equity in ways few had anticipated.
One executive order in particular, signed on January 21, 2025, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”—commonly referred to as the “January 21st DEI order”— not only eliminated all federal DEI programs but also tasked the Attorney General with investigating private-sector companies engaged in DEI initiatives.
Executive actions like this one set off alarm bells across all segments of healthcare. Yet, in moments of upheaval, clarity often emerges. Over the weeks that followed, our team at Acclinate engaged directly with our partners, seeking to understand their perspectives and responses. Three key themes emerged, underscoring why inclusive research is not just an ethical necessity, but also a business and scientific imperative.
1. Inclusive Research is a Moral Imperative
Representation in clinical trials is not about optics—it’s about justice. Historically, clinical research has suffered from severe disparities, leading to treatments that are often less effective for underrepresented populations. Our partners, from pharmaceutical companies to research institutions, have built entire departments dedicated to rectifying this inequity. To suddenly abandon these efforts would send a clear and devastating message to employees, researchers, and patients alike: that inclusivity was never truly a priority.
For many organizations, this is simply unacceptable. Their equity goals weren’t established to be performative. Rather, they were instituted because addressing systemic gaps in healthcare outcomes is the right thing to do. Leaders across the sector have made it clear: they refuse to take steps backward in the name of political expediency.
2. Inclusive Research is a Business Imperative
Beyond ethics, inclusive research is a financial and strategic necessity. Medicine being developed today will serve a global population, and that population is overwhelmingly diverse.
For companies operating in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, failing to ensure products are effective across a vast demographic spectrum is not just irresponsible—it’s bad business. If a medication is primarily tested on a homogenous group, the risk of adverse reactions or reduced efficacy in other populations increases, potentially leading to costly lawsuits, regulatory hurdles, and diminished public trust.
In short, inclusivity in research is not just about meeting requirements or greater societal expectations. It helps medicine developers secure long-term market success.
3. Inclusive Research is Good Science
At its core, medicine is about precision, effectiveness, and safety. Sound clinical research must reflect the populations it aims to serve. The exclusion of minority groups from trials skews data and limits the generalizability of findings. Our partners understand this—they are scientists first, bound by the principles of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry.
The notion that representation in clinical trials is some sort of ideological exercise is a gross mischaracterization. It is, quite simply, the path to better science. If the goal of medical research is to develop safe and effective treatments for the widest possible patient base and populations that can benefit most from them, then trials must reflect that reality. Anything less undermines the integrity of scientific discovery.
A Future of Resilience and Commitment
As our conversations with partners concluded, one overwhelming sentiment emerged: the pursuit of inclusive research will not wane in the face of political headwinds. At Acclinate, we came back from these discussions with a renewed sense of purpose, emboldened by the commitment of those we work alongside.
The path forward will not be easy. Regulatory landscapes may shift, and companies may face increased scrutiny for their inclusivity efforts. However, history has shown that progress is not linear—it is a battle fought with persistence, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to doing what is right.
We stand at a crossroads where the industry must decide whether to capitulate to short-term political pressures or uphold the principles that drive meaningful, lasting change. The choice is clear: inclusive research must not only continue—it must expand. It is the right thing to do, the smart thing to do, and above all, the scientific thing to do.
At Acclinate, we remain steadfast in our mission, knowing that our greatest allies are the unwavering voices of those who share our commitment. Together, we will navigate these challenges, ensuring that the future of clinical research reflects the needs and dignity of all patients, everywhere.
Partner with Acclinate to expand representation across the healthcare ecosystem. Talk with our team today.
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