Article 373: Phase I Spending Sizzles

• While INDs remain flat, the phase I market is hot. Sponsors are spending more than ever in phase I on larger and more complex trials, and CROs are taking advantage of the trend toward more outsourcing of phase I. Owners of phase I units have also found it to be a seller’s market. In the short- to mid-term, a capacity crunch could emerge. The phase I market is expected to grow about 16% in 2004 to $4.1 billion, fueled by sponsors’ emphasis on becoming more efficient developing drugs by killing poor drug candidates before they enter more expensive phase II and III trials.

Article 374: Foundations Venture into Clinical Research

• Disease-focused foundations are motivated to become active players in the clinical research process by aiding patient recruitment and funding academic research; they are beginning to fund commercial clinical trials.

Article 375: Canceropole Lyon Rhone-Alpes, a New Regional Network Fights Cancer

• The decision to form Cancerpole Lyon Rhone-Alpes, a non-profit regional network comprising 15 public institutions and 35 private companies involved in cancer research and development was a followed a year of study.

Article 376: Eye on: Cystic Fibrosis

• Cystic fibrosis affects more than 30,000 Americans. CenterWatch has identified a pipeline of 17 drugs in development for cystic fibrosis.