Dr. Laura Williams, Ardelyx’s Chief Patient Officer, is leading the charge in improving clinical trial diversity at the company. In a time where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under scrutiny, Ardelyx is standing firm in its commitment to inclusion.
Williams shared that in Ardelyx’s clinical trials, they have seen much higher participation rates from minority populations compared to industry averages. For example, in trials focused on dialysis patients, Ardelyx had 45% Black participants and 28% Hispanic participants, marking a significant step towards diversity and representation in clinical research.
In her role as Chief Patient Officer, Williams is dedicated to ensuring that clinical trials accurately reflect the real-world patient population. She believes that it is crucial for trials to include individuals who are most impacted by the diseases being studied, rather than just focusing on convenience or ease of recruitment.
Williams took on the role of Chief Patient Officer in April, after previously serving as Senior Vice President of Global Therapeutic Strategies and Patient Advocacy and Chief Medical Officer at Ardelyx. With a background in pharmaceutical companies like AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Myovant Sciences, and Abbott/AbbVie, Williams brings a wealth of experience to her new position.
Ardelyx, known for its focus on gastrointestinal and kidney diseases, already has two drugs on the market and a promising pipeline of new candidates. Williams is working to embed patient experience into every aspect of the company’s operations, ensuring that patient voices are heard and valued.
One of the key strategies Ardelyx has implemented to improve clinical trial diversity is to engage with patients and advocacy groups early in the drug development process. By understanding the needs and perspectives of the patients they aim to serve, Ardelyx is able to design trials that are more inclusive and representative.
Patients are involved in decisions ranging from drug discovery to commercialization, providing valuable insights on access issues, education initiatives, and the overall benefit-risk profile of Ardelyx’s products. Their feedback influences everything from trial design to regulatory interactions, helping Ardelyx make more patient-centered decisions throughout the drug development journey.
With Dr. Laura Williams at the helm, Ardelyx is setting an example for the industry by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their clinical trials and overall approach to patient care. By listening to and valuing the voices of patients from diverse backgrounds, Ardelyx is working towards a more inclusive and representative healthcare landscape.
Enhancing Patient Access Through Robust Assistance Programs
Following the approval of a new drug, the focus shifts to ensuring that patients have access to the medication they need. At Ardelyx, this includes the implementation of a comprehensive patient assistance program to support individuals in need.
As the Chief Patient Officer, Williams is leading the charge to integrate patients into every aspect of the company’s operations. She is working to consolidate Ardelyx’s existing patient-centric efforts and expand upon them to better serve the patient community.
To achieve this, Williams initiated a company-wide survey to gather employee perspectives on patient centricity. She is now developing strategies to incorporate patient stories into all aspects of the business, ensuring that the patient voice is heard throughout the drug development process.
During a recent FDA advisory committee meeting for the approval of a new Ardelyx drug, patients were given the opportunity to share their personal experiences. Their stories resonated with both the company and the FDA, highlighting the real-world impact of the medication.
Williams emphasizes the importance of collecting and sharing patient stories, drawing inspiration from Brené Brown’s philosophy that “stories are data with a soul.” By incorporating these narratives into the fabric of the organization, Ardelyx aims to create a more patient-centered approach to drug development and access.
Through a combination of clinical data and patient testimonials, Ardelyx is working to bridge the gap between science and human experience. By prioritizing patient access and engagement, the company is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on their medications.
