75% of Pharmaceutical Companies Currently Have Dedicated IIT Groups


RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - April 30, 2008) - A new study released by Cutting Edge Information reveals that a large majority of pharmaceutical companies now have dedicated groups to receive, evaluate and manage investigator initiated trials. The study, "Investigator-Initiated Trials: Building Superior IIT Capabilities," finds that 75% of companies fund dedicated IIT management groups.

Cutting Edge Information reveals that the prevalence of IIT groups has increased 25% since previous research performed in the IIT arena. Of the companies that do not have a dedicated group, only 6% are US-based companies. According to survey data, the increase in dedicated groups has coincided with a significant increase in the perceived value of IIT groups and their impact on corporate success.

"In an effort to run leaner organizations, drug companies are seeking ways to centralize critical functions that may have been distributed among business units or franchises," says lead author of the report, Eric Bolesh. "Creating dedicated IIT management is a structural shift that focuses resources on an important part of ongoing drug development."

By centralizing IIT management, companies are able more fully leverage their connections to the medical community. Through tools such as global online IIT proposal submission systems, dedicated IIT functions have made it easy and efficient for independent physicians, researchers and thought leaders to come to them with research ideas.

To offer a comprehensive look at the current state of IIT management, the report 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
    

Surveyed respondents reveal difficulties in selecting viable study opportunities, tracking studies, overseeing clinical trial management and making use of study findings. Beyond identifying these obstacles, however, companies provide creative solutions. Based on data and these insights, the report authors recommend strategies to optimize IIT performance.

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