You Won't Believe How Cedar Health Is Revolutionizing Patient Access to Clinical Trials—Find Out Now!

DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant move to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities, Cedar Health Research, a clinical trial network based in Texas, has partnered with Texas Native Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, to establish a new clinical research site embedded within Texas Native Health. This partnership, formed in 2023, seeks to address the long-standing underrepresentation of Native American patients in clinical trials, a vital component of the healthcare ecosystem.

The newly integrated site allows patients to participate in clinical studies within a familiar and trusted healthcare environment, minimizing barriers that often inhibit participation, such as the need for travel and a lack of culturally relevant study designs. Omer Tamir, CEO of Texas Native Health, emphasized the importance of this initiative, 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."

This new site will initially focus on studies related to conditions that disproportionately affect Native American populations, such as cardiometabolic diseases. Alarmingly, Native Americans are 36% more likely than the general U.S. population to have diabetes, and around 50% of Native American adults face obesity. Dr. Mimi Fenton, CEO of Cedar Health Research, highlighted the crucial need for equitable access to clinical trials, stating,

"Expanding access is key to ensuring that clinical trial populations reflect the patients who bear the burden of disease."

By collaborating with Texas Native Health, Cedar Health Research aims to ensure that Native American communities have equal opportunities to access new investigational medicines and contribute to clinical research data.

The initial clinical trials at this site will be conducted in partnership with major pharmaceutical companies, including **Eli Lilly and Company** and **Amgen**, expanding research opportunities in a field where there is a pressing need.

Janelle Sabo, Senior Vice President of Clinical Capabilities at Eli Lilly and Company, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership:

"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."

The initiative also receives support from Amgen, with Dr. Ponda Motsepe-Ditshego, Vice President and Head of Inclusive Global Health & Impact, emphasizing the importance of intentional action in addressing inequalities in clinical research. He noted,

"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."

An opening celebration for the new clinical research site is scheduled for February 20, 2026, and will feature participation from sponsors including **Sanofi** and representatives from **Eli Lilly**, **Amgen**, and **Syneos Health**.

This collaboration represents a crucial step toward improving health outcomes for Native American populations, who have historically been marginalized in clinical research. As more inclusive approaches to healthcare take shape, the hope is that these communities will benefit from advancements that reflect their unique health needs and experiences.

For more information about Cedar Health Research, visit cedarhealthresearch.com or email [email protected]. For additional details on Texas Native Health, go to texasnativehealth.org.