June 2000 – The CenterWatch Monthly : Volume 7, Issue 6, June 2000

The Cost of Pharma Mergers on Clinical Research

A recent analysis of 22 merged companies since 1988 shows that mergers significantly alter clinical research activity during the first three years.

CenterWatch analysis shows that three years after pharmaceutical companies merge, the average number of clinical projects in the pipeline per company drops nearly 10% below pre-merger levels. This represents a decline of $15 million to $20 million in investigator grants and CRO contracts per merged company.

More AMCs Finding Growth from Reform

Half of AMCs nationwide report that they have established or are in the process of establishing central offices for clinical trials. In 1997, less than 10% of AMCs had central clinical trial offices.

Sponsors and CROs say they are increasingly receptive to conducting more trials among academic sites. AMCs report that industry-sponsored clinical grant revenue grew by 17% between 1998 and 1999

CentreStage Europe: The Evolving Role of the Study Coordinator in Europe

In Europe, the role of the study coordinator is often not well defined. According to a 2000 CenterWatch survey, 50% of sites in Europe claim to have someone who serves as a study coordinator; however, it is apparent on closer questioning that many investigators identify themselves as the study coordinator. The Netherlands and ACRP are taking steps to provide proper training for study coordinators.

Hypertension Research Focuses on New Formulation of Current Treatments

CenterWatch has identified a total of 31 drugs in the clinical pipeline for hypertension. In total, industry spends over $165 million on hypertension clinical trials. Much of the ongoing clinical research continues to focus on new formulations of drugs in specific categories and on post-marketing studies of drugs that have already been approved. The major drug categories for the treatment of hypertension include diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, alpha blockers and central action drugs that act on the brain to reduce the nerve impulses that can cause blood vessels to constrict.

• Month in Review
• Opportunities Underway
• TrialWatch