A researcher pricks someone’s finger for a blood test. Photo Courtesy Texas A&M Health Center
An institute for clinical research and eduction aimed at increasing access to clinical trials for Hispanics will soon be established in Corpus Christi. it will be the largest Hispanic clinical trail operation in the world according to John Sharp, chancellor of Texas A&M University System, who announced the program at a recent press conference. It will serve both children and adults.
“Hispanics disproportionately suffer from hypertension, diabetes and cancer,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “If they are to benefit fully from clinical research, we must consider the special needs of this population such as genetics, lifestyle, and risk factors while developing new drugs and life-saving therapies.”
While Hispanics represent about 16 percent of the U.S. population, only 1 percent of them are clinical trial participants, according to a report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Hispanics represent only 2 to 5 percent of the participants in clinical trials for cancer, although cancer is the leading cause of death in that population. About 38 percent of the entire population of Texas is Hispanic. That's more than double the national average.
“We are making this investment because almost 4 in 10 Texans could benefit from greater research focused on the Hispanic population,” Sharp said. “With Driscoll and Texas A&M’s one-of-a-kind reach in South Texas, we hope to change the landscape of clinical trials for Hispanics.”
Driscoll Children’s Hospital will host the institute, providing staffing and management. It will include patients at Driscoll speciality clinics throughout South Texas. The program’s reach will include Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Laredo and Victoria.
Called the Texas A&M & Driscoll Children’s Hospital Global Institute for Hispanic Health, the program’s initial funding of $2 million will be used to establish it in Corpus Christi.
S. Loyd Neal Jr., Chairman of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Governing Board, said Driscoll is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Texas A&M on this important initiative.
“The health of our Hispanic population in South Texas is a top priority of the Driscoll Health System," Neal Jr. said. "This collaboration with Texas A&M will enhance our mission as we continue to lead in delivering quality healthcare to all South Texas children.”
