Are the elderly underrepresented in clinical drug trials?

In many industrialized nations, the elderly comprise the fastest growing subpopulation and constitute an increasing proportion of the total population compared to other age groups. The elderly use a disproportionately larger amount of health care resources since they experience a higher incidence of disease-related morbidities, consume more drugs, are subject to more extensive multiple medication regimens, and account for more adverse drug events. In response to the great demand for geriatric pharmacotherapy, the pharmaceutical industry has targeted more drugs to the elderly. However, the elderly are too often excluded from clinical trials on drugs primarily destined for their consumption. Comprehensive analyses to assess participation of elderly subjects in clinical drug trials are needed to design and implement trials that will enhance the safety and efficacy of drugs intended for this pharmacologically sensitive subpopulation.