for immediate release
June 16, 2025 05:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time & 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
TUCSON, A.Z. – UGenome AI, a pioneer in genomic platforms to fuel personalized medicine, today announced a strategic partnership with The Beautiful Way Foundation to improve the diversity of clinical trial datasets. This partnership forms a cornerstone of The Beautiful Way’s goals to connect the community with clinical trials by offering benefits to groups underrepresented in clinical trials.
According to the FDA, African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population but only represent about 5% of clinical trial participants (Cramer, 2020). Similarly, Hispanic/Latino individuals, comprising 18% of the population, are vastly underrepresented, constituting only around 1% to 6% of clinical trial participants (Hahn, 2020). The Pew Research Center highlights that 61% of Black adults believe research misconduct is as likely today as in the past, showcasing the need for proactive measures to rebuild trust (Funk, 2022).
“We feel honored to serve as an integral part of The Beautiful Way’s efforts to provide benefits to people who otherwise would not participate in clinical trials driving The Beautiful Way’s mission and long-term helping produce medications that built from a robust design reflecting the diversity of populations in Boston and elsewhere in the United States,’ said Zachary Brooks, PhD, founder and CEO of UGenome AI.
Strategic foresight drove the inception of The Beautiful Way Foundation, recognizing that traditional clinical trial models often overlook the lived experiences and real barriers faced by underrepresented communities. By aligning with innovators like UGenome AI, The Beautiful Way was designed to leverage precision medicine tools, such as pharmacogenetic testing, not only to broaden trial eligibility but also to generate richer, more actionable data on diverse patient populations.
“From day one, we have intentionally prioritized outreach that is culturally sensitive, sustainable, and grounded in the community’s lived realities,” said Tamika Jackson, Executive Director and Founder of The Beautiful Way Foundation. “By fusing scientific innovation with deep-rooted community engagement, we’re reshaping clinical research into an enterprise where equity isn’t an afterthought—it’s foundational.”.
Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing can help identify genetic subgroups within a patient population that respond differently to a drug, allowing for more targeted and efficient trial design. This can lead to faster and more accurate results by focusing on the most responsive and relevant patient populations. ”Through UGenome’s Personalized Medication Service, we help clinical trials and CROs by improving drug safety and efficacy, reducing costs, and optimizing trial designs,” said Jayden Lee, PharmD, UGenome’s Chief Genomics Officer.
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About UGenome AI
UGenome AI is a startup biotech company focusing on developing genomics software. UGenome AI is advancing genomics analysis and helping patients receive personalized care, faster. Our products stem from our personalized reference genome and pharmacogenomics tools to help patients receive personalized treatments within weeks, not years. For more information, please visit www.ugenome.io.
About The Beautiful Way Foundation
The Beautiful Way Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the Greater Boston area of Massachusetts, is dedicated to advancing health equity by bridging the gap between clinical research and the communities historically underrepresented in clinical trials. TBW aspires to become a central hub for underrepresented and underserved communities to dismantle healthcare disparities and foster equitable access to transformative health solutions.
Contacts
For UGenome AI Inquiries Zachary Brooks [email protected]
For The Beautiful Way Foundation Tamika Jackson [email protected]
For Media Emma Bardin [email protected]
References
- Cramer, G. (2020, August 10). Representation in Clinical Trials: A Review on Reaching Underrepresented Populations in Research. ACRP. https://acrpnet.org/2020/08/10/representation-in-clinical-trials-a-review-on-reaching-underrepresented-populations-in-research https://acrpnet.org/2020/08/10/representation-in-clinical-trials-a-review-on-reaching-underrepresented-populations-in-research
- Hahn, S. M.D. (2020). Enhancing the diversity of clinical trial populations—Eligibility criteria, enrollment practices, and trial designs: Guidance for industry. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-offers-guidance-enhance-diversity
- Funk, C. (2022). Black Americans’ trust in medical scientists and views about potential for researcher misconduct. Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/04/07/black-americans-trust-in-medical-scientists-and-views-about-the-potential-for-researcher-misconduct/