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• Six months into 2002, contract research organizations (CRO) have already acquired double the number of companies than those acquired in all of 2001. CROs are on track to quadruple the number of completed acquisitions in 2002. This accelerated acquisition rate is yet another sign that the CRO market has returned to financial stability and health. Indeed, the top CRO companies appear poised to more aggressively consolidate the market during the next 24 months.

Article 274: Jump Starting Clinical Trials in China

• Clinical trial activity in China is on the rise. The country’s legal system governing pharmaceutical research, production, and marketing was modified substantially several years ago in an attempt to align the country with international standards of practice. And in accordance with requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO), China is in the process of deregulating its domestic drug market.

• The current ethical review system in Europe is highly decentralized and managing these committees can be difficult for sponsors.

• It's estimated that more than 1.5 million people in the United States are affected by Parkinson's Disease. At least 30 drugs are in the pipeline for this disease.