• Historically, electronic data capture technologies have been largely cumbersome to administer. A new breed of EDC technologies leverage the advantages of the Internet with the hopes of offering more viable solutions.
• Internet-based EDC technololgies will give investigative sites real-time guidance and interactivity with their clinical partners. However, sites can also expect greater scrutiny of their performance.

• CRAs are considered critical contributors to the success of a clinical trial. Yet, frequent job-related burnout and escalating salaries combined with low employer loyalty have contributed to high levels of monitor turnover.
• Sponsors and CROs are modifying and refining the structure of the CRA function to address turnover. The use of regionally-based field systems along with changes in career progression are two notable initiatives.

Article 140: Eye On: Cox-2 Inhibitors

• CenterWatch analysts examine and review the pipeline of Cox-2 inhibitors, a potentially safer class of anti-inflammatory medications made from natural botanical extracts.