Cedar Health Research and Texas Native Health Enhance Clinical Trial Access for Underserved Patients

Expanding Clinical Trial Access in Underserved Communities

In a significant move to address healthcare disparities, Cedar Health Research, a clinical trial network based in Texas, has partnered with Texas Native Health, a Dallas-based nonprofit that serves American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Their collaboration includes the establishment of a new embedded clinical research site designed to enhance access to clinical trials for Native American patients, who have historically been underrepresented in such studies.

This new site represents a pivotal effort aimed at breaking down barriers preventing these communities from participating in clinical research. By locating the site within a familiar healthcare setting, patients will have the opportunity to engage in studies without the traditional hurdles of travel and a lack of culturally sensitive study designs. This initiative directly addresses the longstanding issue of underrepresentation in clinical data, which has real implications for the accuracy and effectiveness of medical treatments for Native populations.

Omer Tamir, the CEO of Texas Native Health, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "This research site represents our commitment to honoring Native voices in science. For too long, Native American communities have been left out of research shaping the future of medicine. Today, we take a major step toward ensuring these communities are seen, heard, and included."

The initial focus of the site will be on clinical trials addressing health conditions that disproportionately affect Native American populations. One stark statistic highlights the urgency: Native Americans are 36% more likely than the general U.S. population to have diabetes, with approximately 50% of Native American adults classified as obese. Dr. Mimi Fenton, CEO of Cedar Health Research, noted, "Expanding access is key to ensuring that clinical trial populations reflect the patients who bear the burden of disease. By partnering with Texas Native Health, we're ensuring Native American communities have equitable access to new investigational medicines and representation in clinical research data."

To kick off its operations, the site will conduct clinical trials in collaboration with major pharmaceutical companies, Eli Lilly and Company and Amgen. This partnership underscores the commitment of these companies to bring clinical trials closer to the very communities they aim to serve. Janelle Sabo, Senior Vice President of Clinical Capabilities at Eli Lilly, expressed enthusiasm about the new site’s role, stating, "For more than a decade, Lilly has proudly led efforts to bring clinical trials closer to patients by reaching them in the communities where they live, work, and play. We are excited to support Cedar Health Research and Texas Native Health in expanding their capabilities to increase access to important clinical trials in the greater Dallas area."

Moreover, Dr. Ponda Motsepe-Ditshego from Amgen reiterated the importance of this embedded approach, stating, "Advancing innovation requires addressing inequities in clinical research through intentional action and sustained partnership. Embedding research within trusted care settings like Texas Native Health helps address longstanding barriers to participation and strengthens the scientific rigor of clinical trials. Partnerships like this are essential to building data that truly reflects the patients we serve."

To mark this important milestone, an opening celebration will take place on February 20, 2026, sponsored by Sanofi, drawing attendance from notable partners including Eli Lilly, Amgen, and Syneos Health. This initiative not only aims to boost clinical trial participation among Native Americans but also strives to set a precedent for inclusive research practices across the broader medical community.

For those interested in learning more about Cedar Health Research or Texas Native Health, additional information is available on their respective websites. This collaboration stands as a hopeful beacon for improved health outcomes and equity in clinical research for underserved populations.