SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Research is underway across the country as pharmaceutical corporations launch COVID-19 vaccine trials; however, as time runs out for these clinical trials, it is equally vital to know who is involved.
That is why sacramento researchers, in particular, call on minorities to participate.
Benchmark Research Associate Director Pav Magra vid CBS13 in Sacramento, where researchers are busy gathering knowledge about a COVID-19 vaccine trial.
“We are for patients from limited minority backgrounds, adding Latin American and African-American origins, just to make sure other people of all backgrounds are represented,” Magra said.
This is critical research, however, they depend on more minority participants.
“It’s for minorities to participate,” said Mark Lacy, executive director of Benchmark Research.
Lacy says other populations might be affected by the same drug, so it’s vital to see how minority team members respond to a vaccine and whether there are population-specific adverse events.
Getting those answers is primarily in Northern California, where the Latin American network has been affected by COVID-19.
“It is vital that they also participate in a solution to the problem, because minorities are disproportionately affected, so we must make sure to protect the minority population,” Lacy said.
Magra said he hoped the exam in Sacramento would be very successful.
“It’s a very busy but also very exciting time because it’s obviously helping and it makes a difference,” Magra said.
You can find more information about participation on the Benchmark Research website.