To save lives, clinical trials need diversity

I’ve spent my career fighting for vulnerable patients, especially people of color. So I was ecstatic to hear about a new initiative from dozens of biotech companies.

These firms pledged to enroll more people of color in “clinical trials” — years-long tests that show whether experimental drugs are safe and effective. Boosting diversity will tangibly improve the health of minority Americans.

White Americans are drastically overrepresented in clinical trials. Non-Hispanic whites account for 60% of the U.S. population, but roughly 86% of clinical trial participants. By contrast, Black Americans co...