• The volume of clinical trials conducted in Latin America is growing rapidly. Sponsors and CROs are expanding staff and increasing outsourcing activity in the region. ICIC and IMIC, two established SMOs in the region, report strong growth. Attractive patient populations, qualififed professionals and rising levels of ICH-GCP compliance are among major factors that characterize the region.

Article 246: GSK Forges ties with Academia

• GlaxoSmithKline has pioneered a partnership program with 18 academic health centers. The program has produced mixed results to date, yet GSK plans to expand the program. The program may serve as a model for other sponsors. Ultimately, preferred partnerships could accelerate AHC gains in market share of industry-sponsored clinical grants.

• The gradually maturing European SMO industry has concluded that a Pan-European structure is necessary for survival. Unfortunately one of only two existing European SMOs that had expanded to multiple countries has now failed. Rotterdam-based GCP has closed its doors after cofounder and CEO Henk Mulder, M.D., had a difference of opinion with GCP's investors over the company's future.

• Twenty-three million Americans suffer from migraines. Besides the emotional and physical stress resulting from these recurrent, severe headaches, the cost to society in lost productivity is estimated at $1 billion.