HBCUs are helping lead an initiative to study the genetics of people of African ancestry to track down genetic variants.
Launched Wednesday by the Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, the initiative is part of the Meharry-led Diaspora Human Genomics nonprofit. Also funded by pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and Novo Nordisk, the goal of the project is to create a “reference genome.”
With the reference genome, the researchers will build a template including DNA to study genetic variants in the DNA of Black Americans. Using the information, they’ll devote their findings to creating new ways to address the health disparities through new medicine and tests.
To conduct the initiative, HBCUs and the University of Zambia in Africa will have approximately 500,000 volunteers donate blood for the samples to be sent to the Regeneron Genetics Center for genetic sequencing. After the data is processed, it’ll be sent to the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute to be included as part of the database.
“Historically, African Americans have been – and continue to be – underrepresented in scientific and medical research, as well as in STEM careers, negatively impacting both health outcomes and career opportunities for this population,” said the President and Chief Executive Officer of Meharry Medical College, James E.K. Hildreth Sr, per a statement. “Working with our local community and biopharmaceutical partners, we are eager to bring to life a vision of more equitable health care through the Together for CHANGE initiative.”
Today, we announced the launch of the Together for CHANGE™ initiative, a 10-year collaborative pledge working to address health disparities and promote health in Black communities. Our mission? To increase diversity in genetic research and STEM careers.
— Regeneron Genetics Center (@RegeneronDNA) October 18, 2023
Generally, people of African ancestry have been overwhelmingly underrepresented in studies of genetic information. Per a 2022 study published in the scientific journal Nature, 86% of genome studies dedicated to mapping genetics are people of European ancestry, even though Europeans compose only 16% of the population worldwide.
Meanwhile, there’s less than 2% of genetic information being provided and studied from people of African ancestry.
Black patients are just as underrepresented in clinical studies as just 5% of trial participants are Black participants compared to white participants, who made up a majority of the studies.
With the lack of representation, health disparities amongst the Black community persist. Failing to include Black patients in research and clinical trials could result in less effectiveness in medical treatments and even adverse effects for Black patients and other BIPOC patients.
“Diversity is a fundamental part of inclusive innovative health solutions,” said Marcus Schindler, the EVP Research & Early Development and Chief Scientific Officer of Novo Nordisk, per a statement. “By building a robust STEM pipeline for individuals of African ancestry, we are ensuring those solutions can become a reality in the future.”
