Klin Farmakol Farm. 2025;39(1):52-56 | DOI: 10.36290/far.2025.019

Sex-related differences - from pharmacology to clinical research methodology

Adriána Papiež1, 2, Zora Čechová1, 2, Jitka Rychlíčková1, 3
1 Farmakologický ústav, Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova univerzita, Brno
2 Centrum excelence CREATIC, Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova univerzita, Brno
3 Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brně, Brno

Expert community and even patients are increasingly concerned about whether the results of clinical trials can be applied to patient subgroups that were not originally included in the research. Regarding this, female population is the most frequently discussed. Biological sex significantly influences the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, leading to differences in both therapeutic and adverse effects. Despite this, women have been historically under-represented in clinical studies, for example in cardiovascular research. Although female participation has improved in recent years, disparities persist. This article explores the historical development of female representation in clinical research and analyzes the current state of the field. It also discusses the optimal inclusion of women in studies and proposes strategies to achieve this goal, ensuring the collection of reliable data applicable to both sexes. These steps will contribute to the optimization of treatment protocols that account for sex-based differences.

Keywords: sex differences, clinical research, trial methodology, under-served population.

Accepted: April 15, 2025; Published: April 29, 2025  Show citation

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Papiež A, Čechová Z, Rychlíčková J. Sex-related differences - from pharmacology to clinical research methodology. Klin Farmakol Farm. 2025;39(1):52-56. doi: 10.36290/far.2025.019.
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