Ever wondered if someone like you participated in the clinical trials for a new drug? If you have, you’re not alone, says the US Food and Drug Administration. And that’s why the FDA is making demographic information from clinical trials, such as the inclusion of women and minority groups, more easily available to consumers through its online Drug Trials Snapshots database.

“Now patients can go to just one section of the FDA web site and immediately find answers. For example, how many women, Asians, and blacks participated in research studies that supported the approval of a new drug,” says Naomi Lowy, an FDA doctor.

Snapshots also help people understand if there are any differences in the benefits or side effects of a new drug between men and women, and among patients of different races and ages. “Patients can use this information as one resource to discuss the use of a drug with their doctor and to evaluate its benefits and side effects,” says Lowy. Through Drug Trials Snapshots, FDA is addressing concerns raised by advocacy groups and the public, including important issues such as tracking information about how many women and minorities participate in drug trials.

“Consumers had to wade through publically available scientific reviews on drug approvals, and that involved quite a bit of time and maneuvering,” Lowy says. “With Drug Trials Snapshots, patients can find the information they need easily in one place, written in consumer-friendly language.”

Each snapshot provides questions and answers with information about the drug that is being tested in the trial. The information includes what disease the drug is for, how it’s used, how it benefits patients, and what the potential side effects are.

Source: USFDA

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