DEI In CGT
By Erin Harris, Editor-In-Chief, Cell & Gene
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Back in 2020, I wrote an article for Cell & Gene’s sister publication, Life Science Leader magazine, on the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the life sciences industry. I had the pleasure of working with Eurofins’ Beth DiPaolo, PhRMA’s Yolanda Hutchins; EMD Serono’s Eileen Martin; MassBio’s Edie Stringfellow; and Toft Group Executive Search’s Robin Toft for that article to learn actionable ways to develop, implement, and require a diverse and inclusive working environment that drives innovation and profitability. Each of the leaders provided a detailed and pragmatic blueprint for all aspects of the life sciences industry so that no group is left behind. Here’s the link to the article again, because it’s that important.
In it, MassBio’s Edie Stringfellow stated, “One way the life sciences industry is creating a culture of equality to combat these issues is through increasing cultural competencies within companies across all positions. Leaders will see the benefit of taking time and encouraging their teams to learn about each other’s cultures, beliefs, and experiences represented at the company. It promotes inclusivity and trust and will create a rippling effect throughout the industry, including making leaders comfortable with hiring non-white males to leadership and executive positions. This will ultimately drive innovation and improve patient outcomes by incorporating various perspectives, ideas, and strategies into the decision-making process.” Cut to nearly two years later. Strides have been made, but there’s more work to be done. Case in point: I had the opportunity to feature Cellevolve Bio’s Founder and CEO, Dr. Derrell Porter on Cell & Gene: The Podcast about his own experience as a Black leader in the life sciences industry and why we as an industry need to advocate for more Black leaders, leaders of color, and women in the biotech industry. During the episode, Dr. Porter recounts details of his own experiences in capital raising meetings and boardroom discussions, for example, that did not involve people who look like him and why, in general, the industry is at a loss because of it. Dr. Porter shares how and why he and his team developed Cellevolve’s “Code,”, which he explains as a more expansive version of mission, values, and vision. Part of Cellevolve’s Code is diversity and inclusion as norm. Indeed, they embrace the diversity and uniqueness of their team members as a positive differentiator. The point being that DEI is not a special initiative, but rather it’s a naturally occurring part of the DNA of the company. They expect DEI to be a normal part of their business from the Board to the various group of executives and people at the company. Listen to Dr. Porter as he explains not only his personal experiences but also how he and his team work to organically incorporate DEI into the culture at Cellevolve Bio.
DEI in Decentralized Trials
DEI barriers exist not only inside the four walls of biotechs, CDMOs, etc. but also in CGT clinical trials. Common barriers to traditional clinical trial participation include lack of comfort with the clinical trial process, time and resource constraints, and a general lack of awareness about the existence and importance of clinical trials. Economic and geographical concerns also play a role, as patients may lack adequate resources to pay for travel, childcare, and time away from work to participate. Developing outreach opportunities that reflect the concerns and needs of underserved populations will be paramount in creating effective touchpoints with potential trial candidates. This is where patient advocacy teams and groups can be helpful to the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) population as well as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, (questioning), intersex, asexual, and (agender) (LGBTQIA) community. For example, to date, two episodes of Cell & Gene: The Podcast are dedicated to patient advocacy and engagement. The first features Dr. Amy Nicole Nayar, VP of U.S. Patient Advocacy and Government Affairs at Novartis Gene Therapies explains. Nayar explains what patient engagement should encompass in the cell and gene field as well as the unique challenges cell and gene therapy companies face where a patient engagement officer provides essential help. The second features Fernanda Copeland, Global Head, Patient Advocacy & Engagement at AVROBIO. Copeland explains how to incorporate community education, patient feedback, and more to improve clinical trial development and recruitment. As decentralized trials evolve, patient advocacy groups will be essential to increase DEI in all clinical trials.
How are you and your team are evolving your commitment to DEI in trials and within the four walls of your workplace? Email me to share your best practices with us.