enrichment population
Study population selected to increase likelihood of demonstrating treatment effects through specific inclusion criteria.
Full Definition
An enrichment population is a carefully selected study population designed to maximize the probability of detecting a treatment effect by including participants most likely to respond to the intervention. Enrichment strategies may target patients with specific symptom severity, biomarker profiles, genetic characteristics, or treatment history. In psychiatric clinical trials, common enrichment approaches include selecting treatment-naive patients, those with moderate-to-severe symptoms, or patients with specific subtypes of illness. While enrichment can improve study efficiency and effect sizes, it may limit the generalizability of results to broader patient populations. Regulatory agencies generally accept enrichment strategies when scientifically justified.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'enrichment' as modifier when describing specific population characteristics.
In Context
- "The enrichment population included only patients with severe depression and anxiety comorbidity." — Clinical trial protocol
- "Regulatory feedback supported the enrichment population approach for this proof-of-concept study." — FDA meeting minutes