RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - May 8, 2008) - A recent study found that only
60% of investigator initiated clinical trials (IITs) result in new medical
publications. The finding emphasizes a gap in the pharmaceutical
industry's desire to publish new research findings and its ability to meet
a primary goal of every investigator sponsored study.
Once the data from IITs are published, companies use the information to arm
their field forces, according to pharmaceutical intelligence firm Cutting
Edge Information. IIT findings appear in sales force materials and in
content distributed to the medical community through medical education
materials. Promotional materials such as posters, and detail aids reflect
the data that appear in publications. But none of these are possible when
IITs do not result in publication.
"The lack of publications can be a serious problem for pharmaceutical
companies desperate to promote new findings," said Eric Bolesh, research
team leader at Cutting Edge Information. "As the pharma industry continues
to struggle to launch new drugs, it has to rely on existing products to hit
escalating financial goals. IITs have been a solution to finding new uses
for old medicines."
"Investigator-Initiated Trials: Building Superior IIT Capabilities,"
available at
www.investigatorinitiatedtrials.com, finds that although
publications are not the only goal for pursuing an investigator sponsored
study, they are a valuable vehicle for promoting new research and meeting
expanded needs for patients.
Cutting Edge Information studied the IIT approval processes of 18 top
pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. The study provides data benchmarks
that will enable companies to improve their IIT initiatives. Findings
center on the following topics:
-- Companies' assessments of IIT performance and areas of improvement
-- Study proposal review and evaluation timelines
-- Budgets and funding
-- IIT program profiles
One executive interviewed for the study plainly states, "We want
publications." Another executive said, "Nine out of ten times, the use is
publications," referring to how his company uses the findings from an IIT.
When labels are particularly narrow, IIT data prove very useful. Approved
indications and dosages may trail behind actual use in the field.
Download a free summary of "Investigator-Initiated Trials: Building
Superior IIT Capabilities" or purchase the report at:
http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/investigatorinitiatedtrials/PH114_Download.asp#body.
Contact Information: CONTACT:
Eric Bolesh
919-433-0209