Diversity in melasma trials sets precedent for inclusive research in other indications

Key takeaways:

• Women were largely represented in melasma trials at 96.58%.
• The trials also included 43.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.71% Asian and 14.66% Black or African American patients.

Fair representation of patients with skin of color in melasma trials has signaled a trend toward inclusivity in dermatology, setting a precedent for other indications, according to a study.

The demographic of the United States is shifting, with one in three Americans projected to be a race other than white by 2060, signaling a need for increased diversity in dermatologic research, according to study author Jared Jagdeo, MD, MS, associate professor of dermatology and director of the center for photomedicine at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and a part of the dermatology service at the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, and colleagues.

“Historically, studies including clinical trials related to hidradenitis suppurativa, scars and psoriasis have shown a predominance of white participants,” Jagdeo told Healio, explaining that studies for conditions primarily affecting patients with skin of color must begin implementing inclusive measures.

Melasma, a symmetric pigmentary disorder that develops primarily on the face, is one such condition, as it predominately affects women and those with darker skin tones.

Jagdeo and colleagues identified 56 trials, of which 19 trials with a total of 614 subjects met inclusion criteria.

Results showed that women were largely represented in the trials at 96.58%, demonstrating an accurate representation of the gender of patients predominately affected by melasma.

This trend of inclusivity also extended to patients with skin of color, as the clinical trials were comprised of 43.1% Hispanic or Latino patients, 23.71% Asian patients and 14.66% Black or African American patients, as well as 15.52% white patients.

Over 75% of trial participants had Fitzpatrick skin types III to IV, suggesting a deliberate effort toward more inclusive research in this indication, according to the authors.

“It was encouraging to see this shift towards inclusivity in melasma research,” Jagdeo said. “The trend towards inclusivity in melasma clinical trials sets a valuable precedent for improving representation in research for other dermatological conditions that disproportionately impact skin of color patients.”