Covance, Kendle and i3 Research Are Top CROs in Europe

Results of the CenterWatch 2008 Survey of Investigative Sites in Europe found Covance the top rated contract research organization to work with. Also rated highly were Kendle and i3 Research. Responses to CenterWatch’s 2008 Survey came from 36 countries across Europe, as well as Canada. This is an increase from 2006, when sites from 26 European countries participated. Nearly one-third of the responses came from Central and Eastern Europe this year.

The Time Is Now for CRO IPOs

A number of contract research organizations are considering filing for initial public offerings this year. Among those companies mentioned most are INC Research, United BioSource, Cetero Research, Medpace—and even a return to the public markets for Quintiles (or at least part of it). Is the rampant speculation about CROs going IPO a sign that the global growth story for CROs is peaking—or just gearing up?

EU Pediatric Regulations Get 18-Month Checkup

Workload, Unclear Incentives Raise Concerns Eighteen months after the European Commission’s pediatric regulatory framework entered into force, stakeholders deliver mixed reports about its effect so far on pediatric drug development, though it is still early days to see concrete evidence of its impact. Initial optimism surrounding the potential of the regulation, as well as concerns about its possible drawbacks, persist in equal measure.

Eye On: Ocular Disorders

Two of the main causes of adult blindness in the developed world are age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Severe visual loss in both diseases results from fluid accumulation around the retina as well as overgrowth of blood vessels in the back of the eye.

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