Clinical trials play a crucial role in developing new treatments and medications, but historically, they have lacked diversity. Latoya Hinton-Howery, owner and research director of Next Innovative Clinical Research, is working to change that by focusing on increasing minority participation in clinical trials. BDO’s clinical trials editor, Taylyn Washington-Harmon, sat down for a conversation with Hinton-Howery about her work.
Hinton-Howery’s journey into clinical research began 16 years ago, and she has been a site owner for six years. Her motivation stemmed from noticing a lack of diversity in clinical trials: “Back when I was a coordinator, I would facilitate trials for the site that I was working for, and they didn’t have many minorities participating in the trials.”
Located in Chicago’s Bronzeville community and Houston, Texas, Next Innovative Clinical Research aims to make clinical trials more accessible to underserved communities. Hinton-Howery emphasizes the importance of having research sites in these areas: “We want something where somebody who lives right across the street on 35th and King Drive can walk over here and see me versus getting in an Uber, getting on the bus, taking the metro to the suburbs to be seen in a trial.”
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One of the biggest challenges Hinton-Howery faces is educating the community about clinical trials. She often encounters misconceptions, particularly the fear of being a “guinea pig.” To address this, she explains, “The purpose of participating in trials is not to be a guinea pig, but it’s to ensure that the medication is working and you’re always under a watchful eye when you’re on the clinical trial of the principal investigator.”
Hinton-Howery also stresses the importance of diverse participation in clinical trials to ensure medications work effectively for all populations. She states, “We need to make sure that the medication works… Why are people passing away of hypertension or diabetes? Why is there such a high instance of that in the African American community?”
To increase diversity in clinical trials, Hinton-Howery co-founded NOIR Research Collective, a network of minority-owned clinical research sites. This initiative aims to provide resources and support for other minority site owners and to leverage their combined influence to secure more diverse trials from pharmaceutical companies.
Hinton-Howery’s work extends beyond just conducting trials. She actively engages with the community, participating in events and educating people about clinical trials. Her approach is personable and focused on creating a comfortable environment for participants: “It’s a small practice, so it’s not like a heavy flow of people just coming in and out. It’s literally a small environment, comfortable environment.”
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For those interested in participating in clinical trials, Hinton-Howery encourages education and open communication. She emphasizes that participation is voluntary and participants can withdraw at any time: “This isn’t a mortgage. This is not a car note. We have a conversation. You can get out. It’s not a contract.”
As the field of clinical research evolves, Hinton-Howery envisions a future with more diverse participation and increased awareness. She hopes to see “a lot more either clinical research sites or private practice physicians conducting clinical trials. Being able to offer that to their patients.”
Through her work, Latoya Hinton-Howery is not just advancing medical science; she’s also empowering communities and ensuring that future treatments will be effective for all populations.
