Washington, D.C. (January 27, 2022) – UsAgainstAlzheimer’s today issued the following statement regarding Biogen’s announcement that the company has set a goal to have 18 percent of the U.S. participants in the Aduhelm confirmatory clinical trial be from African American and Latino populations.

“This is an important step forward in ensuring that people of color have access to Alzheimer’s clinical trials,” said George Vradenburg, chairman and co-founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. “Biogen’s announcement represents progress in ensuring diversity in Alzheimer’s research, but the field itself still has a long way to go.”

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s has criticized the significant underrepresentation of African Americans, Latinos and other people of color at high risk of Alzheimer’s in earlier clinical trials for both Biogen’s aducanumab, now marketed as Aduhelm, and Lilly’s donanemab.

In June, following Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Aduhelm, UsA2 demanded that Biogen’s post-approval Phase 4 clinical trial set and meet inclusion and equity targetsto ensure that African American and Latino people are represented at levels equal to their proportion of the Alzheimer’s population. In addition, following announcements about progress with two other amyloid-reducing treatments, UsA2 called on the companies to prioritize equity and inclusion in Alzheimer’s drug development.

If reached, the 18 percent diversity goal set by Biogen would represent a significant increase in the representation of people of color in Alzheimer’s clinical trials. Goal setting and intentional efforts to meet these goals should be the standard moving forward.

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AboutUsAgainstAlzheimer’s

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s exists to conquer Alzheimer’s disease. We take on the toughest problems; bring all of “Us” together to break down barriers; advocate for research that will speed treatments to market; and drive changes that matter most to people living with the disease.We will not rest until brain-span equals lifespan - for everyone.