Clinical trials sharing information electronically

A new study by IntraLinks Poll shares that 50% of clinical trials professionals share critical information via email, 15% via fax and 14% via overnight courier.

Those considering using electronic means to share data were concerned about: security (40 percent), ease and flexibility of use (23 percent), speed of information sharing (17 percent), standardization across the enterprise (7 percent) and shipping/travel cost savings (7 percent).

Alison Shurell, the vice president of life sciences product marketing at IntraLinks had this to say about the new research:
"Executives may not realize that study start-up communication and management can be made simpler, faster and more secure by employing online solutions. Using an online workspace enables sponsors, CROs, sites, IRBs and others in a clinical trial to exchange information instantaneously in the most secure environment available. Our life sciences clients who have shifted the clinical trial process to an online solution have reported tremendous improvements in overall productivity and efficiency."

New clinical trial at Johns Hopkins

MEMOTEXT will be tested for its effects on people with glaucoma. There will be 500 people recruited using telephone calls and text messages.

Amos Adler, president of MEMOTEXT, finds it to be an honor to collaborate on this special grant and believes this new interface will significantly improve medication adherence in patients with glaucoma. The company is confident this trial will demonstrate that their technology-driven adherence solutions help patients managing various conditions.

For more information on the trial, click here.

Massachusetts could take on more clinical trials

Although Massachusetts is the state that comes in ninth for conducting the most clinical trials, there is belief that more can be done.

Although the state is proportionately smaller population wise, the 1,900 clinical trials currently taking place in the state are keeping the state held up to it's reputation with cutting-edge technology. In particular, the state is well known for early stage trials, which helps it maintain the goal of being a center for life sciences.

This article at the Boston Globe, Robert Coughlin, president of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, said clinical trials not only help develop drugs for the population, but also help contribute to the economy, providing jobs and business where clinical trials are taking place. While some clinical trial leaders are hesitant on conducting more trials due to population limits, others insist things such as databases notifying willing participants could help bring more patients into the state.