Article 461: MDS Pharma Services Top CRO in Thomson CenterWatch 2006 European Site Survey

• The Thomson Center-Watch 2006 European Investigative Site Survey marks the fifth time CenterWatch has surveyed investigative sites—those front-line researchers conducting clinical trials—in Europe. MDS Pharma earned the top score for contract research organizations, improving from third place in the 2004 survey. The factors rated most important by sites concerning CRO performance include being organized and prepared for a study, knowledge level of CRAs/monitors, quality of protocol design, timeliness of availability of the study drug, and simplicity of the case report form—critical aspects of study success.

Article 462: Central Labs Adapt

• Estimates show the clinical trial central laboratory market is growing at a double-digit pace; roughly 13% a year for the next four years. In the second part of our series, Center-Watch examines how some of the key players in the industry are adapting to an evolving business landscape. Conducting trials in emerging markets have their own set of unique challenges, and as sponsors attempt to adapt so must the companies that support them. The process has put major logistical pressures on central lab companies in terms of shipping, regulatory issues and data collection. Part II of a Two-Part Series...

Article 463: HCTC Provides New Academic Research Model in Germany

• Hannover Clinical Trial Center (HCTC) GmbH, an academic research organization, has launched in Frankfurt, Germany, and could have a major impact on the German clinical research industry by helping to attract more industry-sponsored clinical trials to Germany. HCTC is also expecting to attract more pre-approval clinical trials as well as more noncommercial, or investigator-initiated, clinical trials by acting as sponsor for them...

Article 464: Eye on: Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn's Disease

• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) of unknown cause, although infection, genetic predisposition, weakened or altered immune system, and environmental causes may play some role. The incidence of Crohn's disease has been climbing from the 1960s, reaching a plateau in the 1980s. According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Crohn's disease affects about 500,000 Americans and about 1 million patients worldwide.