Biopharmaceutical Companies Can Avoid Costly Clinical Trial Delays

When 80% of Clinical Trials are Delayed Due to Difficulty in Finding Patients, Delays Can be Avoided with Expert Planning

November 21, 2008, King of Prussia, PA - In a published article in the International Journal of Clinical Trials (ICT), MediciGlobal President and CEO, Liz Moench emphasises that hitting study timelines means that successful recruitment processes are in place, based on expert planning and accurate feasibility assessment.

The article highlights that at study start-up, when timeline pressure is at its greatest – due to investigator meetings or ambitious goals set by senior management – clinical teams often forego the very planning they need in order to prevent recruitment delays. On the surface, many think recruitment planning could take weeks to complete, but depending on the study it can be turned around in days.

Moench points out that recruitment planning requires a combination of statistical modelling of different recruitment scenarios. It also requires analysis of the study from the patients’ perspective, often achieved through focus groups or interviews.

“It is important to understand where and when any stumbling blocks are likely to occur” says Moench. “For example, it is important to determine the point at which clinical trial fatigue (CTF) may set in, or what aspect of the study may be the patients’ breaking point, by asking: ‘What would you do if you were asked to do this procedure?’”

Moench stresses, that while the steps may sound simple, finding the right population within the right timeframe means doing your homework. This includes looking at feasibility data, setting schedules, evaluating metrics, and reviewing budget parameters.

To read the complete article, visit the Journal at: http://www.samedanltd.com.

The International Journal of Clinical Trials (ICT) is a specialist journal designed to provide global coverage of key topics pertinent to the clinical trials sector. Published quarterly, and edited by Dr Graham Hughes, the journal offers a platform of communication and information-sharing for executive and strategic decision-makers, seeking out new trends and marketing opportunities, as well as putting a spotlight on the latest innovations coming to market. ICT is specifically designed to be of interest to those actively seeking to source services for improved efficiency in what is an increasingly competitive market. ICT is published by Samedan Ltd, Pharmaceutical Publishers a leader on the market since 1996.

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About MediciGlobal
MediciGlobal based in the U.S. and U.K., is a specialty patient recruitment - retention company, developing programmes for clinical trials of all sizes in countries around the globe. MediciGlobal's expertise in patient recruitment and retention ensures that biopharmaceutical and life sciences companies meet their clinical study timelines. MediciGlobal is one of few companies focused solely on patient recruitment and retention for nearly two decades. www.mediciglobal.com

For further information contact:
Ann Armillei
+1 484-674-6835
aarmillei@MediciGlobal.com