It's important to note that the classification of Arabs as "white" in the US Census is primarily based on social and political considerations rather than biological or genetic ones. However, there are indeed some genetic and physiological differences between Arabs and other populations that could potentially affect their response to drugs and disease. Here are a few reasons why Arabs should be included as a separate category in clinical trials:
  1. Genetic diversity: Arabs are a diverse group of people, with a range of genetic variations that can impact drug metabolism and disease susceptibility. For example, Arabs have been shown to have a high prevalence of genetic variations that affect drug metabolism, such as CYP2C19 polymorphisms.
  2. Disease prevalence: Arabs are also known to have higher rates of certain diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, compared to other populations. Including Arabs in clinical trials could help identify genetic and environmental factors that contribute to these disparities and lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
  3. Cultural and environmental factors: Arabs also have unique cultural and environmental factors that could impact their health outcomes. For example, dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and exposure to certain toxins or pollutants could affect their response to drugs or susceptibility to disease.

Overall, including Arabs as a separate category in clinical trials could help improve our understanding of the unique genetic and environmental factors that affect their health outcomes and lead to more personalized and effective treatments for this population.