Why Diversity Matters in Autoimmune and Rare Disease Research

Diversity isn't just a buzzword when researching autoimmune and rare diseases—it’s essential for better treatments and care. These conditions affect people from all backgrounds, but clinical trials often don’t reflect that diversity. Many communities, especially people of color and those in rural areas, face barriers like limited access to specialists, financial constraints, or a history of medical mistrust. Without diverse participation, researchers miss out on crucial insights that could lead to more effective and inclusive treatments.

Another big challenge? The lack of diverse data. Many studies rely on past research or genetic databases that don’t fully represent all populations, making it harder to understand how these diseases impact different groups. For rare diseases, the issue is even trickier—since fewer people have these conditions, ensuring a diverse study group can be tough. This can lead to treatments that work well for some but not for others, leaving gaps in care for already underserved communities.

This is why inclusive research efforts are important. They can improve outreach, breakdown barriers to participation, and ensure that clinical trials welcome people from all walks of life. The more diverse the research, the better we can understand these diseases and develop treatments that truly help everyone.

In honor of February, Black History Month and Rare Disease Month, we have invited Jenifer Waldrop, the Executive Director of the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition, to speak this Thursday, February 20, at 1pm ET. If you are interested in attending, RSVP HERE.

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