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Griessbach A, Schönenberger CM, Taji Heravi A, Gloy V, Agarwal A, Hallenberger TJ, Schandelmaier S, Janiaud P, Amstutz A, Covino M, Mall D, Speich B, Briel M. Characteristics, Progression, and Output of Randomized Platform Trials: A Systematic Review. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e243109. [PMID: 38506807 PMCID: PMC10955344 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Platform trials have become increasingly common, and evidence is needed to determine how this trial design is actually applied in current research practice. Objective To determine the characteristics, progression, and output of randomized platform trials. Evidence Review In this systematic review of randomized platform trials, Medline, Embase, Scopus, trial registries, gray literature, and preprint servers were searched, and citation tracking was performed in July 2022. Investigators were contacted in February 2023 to confirm data accuracy and to provide updated information on the status of platform trial arms. Randomized platform trials were eligible if they explicitly planned to add or drop arms. Data were extracted in duplicate from protocols, publications, websites, and registry entries. For each platform trial, design features such as the use of a common control arm, use of nonconcurrent control data, statistical framework, adjustment for multiplicity, and use of additional adaptive design features were collected. Progression and output of each platform trial were determined by the recruitment status of individual arms, the number of arms added or dropped, and the availability of results for each intervention arm. Findings The search identified 127 randomized platform trials with a total of 823 arms; most trials were conducted in the field of oncology (57 [44.9%]) and COVID-19 (45 [35.4%]). After a more than twofold increase in the initiation of new platform trials at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of platform trials has since declined. Platform trial features were often not reported (not reported: nonconcurrent control, 61 of 127 [48.0%]; multiplicity adjustment for arms, 98 of 127 [77.2%]; statistical framework, 37 of 127 [29.1%]). Adaptive design features were only used by half the studies (63 of 127 [49.6%]). Results were available for 65.2% of closed arms (230 of 353). Premature closure of platform trial arms due to recruitment problems was infrequent (5 of 353 [1.4%]). Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review found that platform trials were initiated most frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic and declined thereafter. The reporting of platform features and the availability of results were insufficient. Premature arm closure for poor recruitment was rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Griessbach
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christof Manuel Schönenberger
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ala Taji Heravi
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viktoria Gloy
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arnav Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Stefan Schandelmaier
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Perrine Janiaud
- Pragmatic Evidence Lab, Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Covino
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Mall
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Speich
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Briel
- CLEAR Methods Center, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Klatte K, Subramaniam S, Benkert P, Schulz A, Ehrlich K, Rösler A, Deschodt M, Fabbro T, Pauli-Magnus C, Briel M. Development of a risk-tailored approach and dashboard for efficient management and monitoring of investigator-initiated trials. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:84. [PMID: 37020207 PMCID: PMC10074803 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01902-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the academic setting have limited resources for clinical trial management and monitoring. Inefficient conduct of trials was identified as an important source of waste even in well-designed studies. Thoroughly identifying trial-specific risks to enable focussing of monitoring and management efforts on these critical areas during trial conduct may allow for the timely initiation of corrective action and to improve the efficiency of trial conduct. We developed a risk-tailored approach with an initial risk assessment of an individual trial that informs the compilation of monitoring and management procedures in a trial dashboard. METHODS We performed a literature review to identify risk indicators and trial monitoring approaches followed by a contextual analysis involving local, national and international stakeholders. Based on this work we developed a risk-tailored management approach with integrated monitoring for RCTs and including a visualizing trial dashboard. We piloted the approach and refined it in an iterative process based on feedback from stakeholders and performed formal user testing with investigators and staff of two clinical trials. RESULTS The developed risk assessment comprises four domains (patient safety and rights, overall trial management, intervention management, trial data). An accompanying manual provides rationales and detailed instructions for the risk assessment. We programmed two trial dashboards tailored to one medical and one surgical RCT to manage identified trial risks based on daily exports of accumulating trial data. We made the code for a generic dashboard available on GitHub that can be adapted to individual trials. CONCLUSIONS The presented trial management approach with integrated monitoring enables user-friendly, continuous checking of critical elements of trial conduct to support trial teams in the academic setting. Further work is needed in order to show effectiveness of the dashboard in terms of safe trial conduct and successful completion of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Klatte
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland.
| | - Suvitha Subramaniam
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Schulz
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Ehrlich
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Rösler
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
| | - Mieke Deschodt
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Competence Centre of Nursing, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Fabbro
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Pauli-Magnus
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Briel
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 12, Basel, CH- 4031, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Menon BK, Singh N, Sylaja PN. Tenecteplase use in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Lancet 2023; 401:618-619. [PMID: 36774934 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02633-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bijoy K Menon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N2T9, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Nishita Singh
- Department of Neurology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - P N Sylaja
- Comprehensive Stroke Care Program, Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Hauck CL, Kelechi TJ, Cartmell KB, Mueller M. Trial-level factors affecting accrual and completion of oncology clinical trials: A systematic review. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 24:100843. [PMID: 34765799 PMCID: PMC8573122 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States. Clinical trials translate basic science discoveries into treatments needed by cancer patients. Inadequate accrual of trial participants is one of the most significant barriers to the completion of oncology clinical trials. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate trial-level factors that affect accrual and/or completion of oncology clinical trials, identify gaps in the literature, and indicate opportunities for future research. DESIGN A systematic review of the literature on trial-level factors that affect accrual and/or completion of oncology clinical trials was performed. Searches in PubMed and Scopus identified 6582 studies. Based on eligibility criteria, 16 studies were selected for the review. Results were analyzed according to the following: a) background factors, b) disease-related, c) treatment-related, and d) trial design. RESULTS Background factors that were investigated in relation to oncology clinical trial accrual and/or completion included sponsor, number and location of participating institutions, competing trials, time of trial opening, and fast-track status. Disease-related factors included the annual incidence and type(s) of targeted cancer. Several types of treatment such as drugs, radiation and surgery were examined in the studies. Trial design factors included trial development time, eligibility criteria, randomization, sample size, trial phase, placebo use, and required protocol procedures and their timing. CONCLUSION With low patient participation rates in oncology clinical trials that hold promise for future treatments, it is imperative that trial-level factors affecting accrual be identified and addressed to facilitate the completion of trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie L. Hauck
- Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, 99 Jonathan Lucas St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Teresa J. Kelechi
- Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, 99 Jonathan Lucas St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kathleen B. Cartmell
- Clemson University, Department of Public Health Sciences, 503 Edwards Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Martina Mueller
- Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, 99 Jonathan Lucas St., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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McLennan S, Griessbach A, Briel M. Practices and Attitudes of Swiss Stakeholders Regarding Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trial Funding Acquisition and Cost Management. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2111847. [PMID: 34076698 PMCID: PMC8173375 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are an essential method of evaluating health care interventions and a cornerstone for evidence-based health care. However, RCTs have become increasingly complex and costly, which is particularly challenging for independent investigator-initiated clinical trials (IICTs). IICTs have an essential role in clinical research, and it is important that efforts are made to ensure IICTs are adequately funded and are conducted cost-effectively. OBJECTIVE To examine the practices and attitudes of Swiss stakeholders regarding IICT funding acquisition and cost management. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS For this qualitative study, interviews were conducted in Switzerland between February and August 2020. The purposive sample comprised 48 stakeholders from 4 different groups: primary investigators (n = 27), funders and sponsors (n = 9), clinical trial support organizations (n = 6), and ethics committee members (n = 6). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Practices and attitudes of stakeholders regarding IICT funding acquisition and cost management were assessed using individual semistructured qualitative interviews. Interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS After interviews with 48 IICT stakeholders (75% male presenting), these participants identified a systemic problem of IICTs being underfunded, which can lead to compromises being made regarding the quality and conduct of IICTs. Participants identified 2 overarching and interconnected groups of reasons why IICTs in Switzerland are regularly underfunded. First, it was reported that IICT budget estimations are often inaccurate because of poor planning and preparation, unforeseeable events, investigators intentionally underestimating budgets, and limited budget assessment and oversight. Second, with the exception of a specific IICT funding program by the Swiss National Science Foundation, it was reported that limited funding sources and unrealistic expectation of funders led to underlying challenges in getting IICTs fully funded. A number of measures that could help reduce the underfunding of IICTs were identified, including improving the support of investigators and IICTs, strengthening networking and guidance, harmonizing and simplifying bureaucracy, and increasing public funding of IICTs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study highlights the inadequate expertise of Swiss stakeholders to correctly, systematically, and reproducibly calculate RCT budgets and the need for transparency on trial costs as well as training in budgeting practices. Limited financial resources for academic clinical research and issues regarding the professional planning and conduct of IICTs are persistent issues that many other countries also face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart McLennan
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Griessbach
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Briel
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Svoboda SA, Balogh EA, Feldman SR. Balancing rules with common sense in the protection of human subjects. J DERMATOL TREAT 2020; 31:661. [PMID: 32162573 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1742437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Svoboda
- Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Esther A Balogh
- Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Steven R Feldman
- Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston- Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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7
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Warren JB. Translating the dose response into risk and benefit. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 85:2187-2193. [PMID: 30945324 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
When choosing a medicine two aspects determine the balance between benefit and harm (risk-benefit), matching the medicine to the individual and the choice of dose. Knowing the relationship between dose and response allows a calculation of the dose that causes 50% of the maximal effect, the ED50 . Rational drug dosing depends on defining the ratio of the dose to the ED50 . The ED50 of each drug has two scales, whether the effect measured is for efficacy, or safety. Quantifying efficacy is comparatively straightforward. A fall in blood pressure, combined with a statistical and clinically significant reduction in cardiovascular events, might justify the efficacy of an antihypertensive. Measuring a drug's effect on safety is more complex, as this is so often a subjective assessment of a collection of adverse events. Though a science-based therapeutic window defined from in vitro efficacy and safety dose response curves is reassuring, this review discusses how to translate this into dose-dependent risk-benefit based on clinical trial data. Some of the limitations of our knowledge about the choice of dose that optimizes an individual's risk-benefit, or whether no drug is a better option, are discussed. It is important to define these limitations when educating the consumer/patient about the clinical pharmacology that justifies their treatment dose options.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Warren
- Flat 15, Porters Edge, 29 Surrey Quays Road, London, SE16 7FZ, UK
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Rees CA, Nigrovic LE. Oral Ondansetron to Reduce Intravenous Fluid Rehydration: Context Matters. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 73:266-268. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Jeong S, Sohn M, Kim JH, Ko M, Seo HW, Song YK, Choi B, Han N, Na HS, Lee JG, Kim IW, Oh JM, Lee E. Current globalization of drug interventional clinical trials: characteristics and associated factors, 2011-2013. Trials 2017; 18:288. [PMID: 28637515 PMCID: PMC5480138 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trial globalization is a major trend for industry-sponsored clinical trials. There has been a shift in clinical trial sites towards emerging regions of Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Our study objectives were to evaluate the current characteristics of clinical trials and to find out the associated multiple factors which could explain clinical trial globalization and its implications for clinical trial globalization in 2011-2013. METHODS The data elements of "phase," "recruitment status," "type of sponsor," "age groups," and "design of trial" from 30 countries were extracted from the ClinicalTrials.gov website. Ten continental representative countries including the USA were selected and the design elements were compared to those of the USA. Factors associated with trial site distribution were chosen for a multilinear regression analysis. RESULTS The USA, Germany, France, Canada, and United Kingdom were the "top five" countries which frequently held clinical trials. The design elements from nine continental representative countries were quite different from those of the USA; phase 1 trials were more prevalent in India (OR 1.517, p < 0.001) while phase 3 trials were much more prevalent in all nine representative countries than in the USA. A larger number of "child" age group trials was performed in Poland (OR 1.852, p < 0.001), Israel (OR 1.546, p = 0.005), and South Africa (OR 1.963, p < 0.001) than in the USA. Multivariate analysis showed that health care expenditure per capita, Economic Freedom Index, Human Capital Index, and Intellectual Property Rights Index could explain the variance of regional distribution of clinical trials by 63.6%. CONCLUSIONS The globalization of clinical trials in the emerging regions of Asia, South Africa, and Eastern Europe developed in parallel with the factors of economic drive, population for recruitment, and regulatory constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun Jeong
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Minji Sohn
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hyun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minoh Ko
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-won Seo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Kyoung Song
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boyoon Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nayoung Han
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han-Sung Na
- Clinical Research Division, Toxicology Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Evaluation, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
| | - Jong Gu Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Toxicology Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Evaluation, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
| | - In-Wha Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Mi Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Euni Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
BackgroundAs randomized controlled trials have become the ‘gold standard’ for medical research, a complex regulatory structure for the conduct of clinical trials has emerged. However, this structure has not been adequately assessed to ensure that regulations governing human subjects research actually produce the desired effects. PurposeOur purpose is to identify some of the major shortcomings in the current regulatory system of human clinical trials oversight, and to propose some potential solutions to these problems. MethodsWe discuss the evolution of the current US regulatory environment and its application in the context of several widely-used drug therapies. ResultsDespite numerous randomized controlled trials, performed within a structure of extensive documentation and data collection, serious shortcomings in a number of pharmaceutical therapies were not detected until after the drugs were approved and widely adopted by clinicians. ConclusionThe current system of regulatory bureaucracy in clinical trials has led to an extremely expensive research paradigm that, in spite of complex systems of oversight and exhaustive data collection, cannot be shown to adequately ensure the integrity of the research process and the protection of human research subjects. Some parts of the system, including Research Ethics Review Boards, may not be well-suited to carrying out their core mission of overseeing research conduct, and other aspects of clinical trials regulatory structure, such as monitoring/auditing review and adverse event reporting, may constitute a waste of money and resources. Misdirected data collection and adverse events reporting divert valuable resources and hamper development of large, simple clinical trials powered to definitively answer important research questions. Careful scrutiny of the utility of current or proposed regulatory schemes is required to ensure the integrity of human subjects research and to enhance the effectiveness of research dollars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Califf
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27715, USA.
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Abstract
Clinical research operates in a strictly regulated environment under various management models, but a distinct management model of clinical trial (CT) still needs exploration and research. Critical path analysis (CPA) is a management approach can be used for monitoring, analysis, and prediction of success of its time-bound operational activities. A model CT was compiled with 78 activities, which were further merged into 35 major activities. After performing dependence analysis, the list was finalized with 25 activities which were taken in activity predecessor to create a network diagram and perform CPA considering patients, conduct, and outcome. Activities were inclusive, described the trial entirely with accuracy, and were in chronological and logical sequences. This approach does not replace an understanding of or adherence to the requirements contained in all applicable regulations, guidelines or standard operating procedures governing clinical studies but ensures the proper use of operational and decisional approaches including optimal resource management. As the need to meet deadlines becomes more important and the need to produce good, stable project plans, CPA is very useful for determining activities that can lead to project delay. With this approach, project may be effectively monitored, and realistic schedules can be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhaswat S Chakraborty
- Clinical Research Organization, R and D Core Committee, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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Mentz RJ, Hernandez AF, Berdan LG, Rorick T, O'Brien EC, Ibarra JC, Curtis LH, Peterson ED. Good Clinical Practice Guidance and Pragmatic Clinical Trials: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds. Circulation 2016; 133:872-80. [PMID: 26927005 PMCID: PMC4777975 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.115.019902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Randomized, clinical trials are commonly regarded as the highest level of evidence to support clinical decisions. Good Clinical Practice guidelines have been constructed to provide an ethical and scientific quality standard for trials that involve human subjects in a manner aligned with the Declaration of Helsinki. Originally designed to provide a unified standard of trial data to support submission to regulatory authorities, the principles may also be applied to other studies of human subjects. Although the application of Good Clinical Practice principles generally led to improvements in the quality and consistency of trial operations, these principles have also contributed to increasing trial complexity and costs. Alternatively, the growing availability of electronic health record data has facilitated the possibility for streamlined pragmatic clinical trials. The central tenets of Good Clinical Practice and pragmatic clinical trials represent potential tensions in trial design (stringent quality and highly efficient operations). In the present article, we highlight potential areas of discordance between Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the principles of pragmatic clinical trials and suggest strategies to streamline study conduct in an ethical manner to optimally perform clinical trials in the electronic age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Mentz
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.).
| | - Adrian F Hernandez
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.)
| | - Lisa G Berdan
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.)
| | - Tyrus Rorick
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.)
| | - Emily C O'Brien
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.)
| | - Jenny C Ibarra
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.)
| | - Lesley H Curtis
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.)
| | - Eric D Peterson
- From Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (R.J.M., A.F.H., L.G.B., T.R., E.C.O'B., J.C.I., L.H.C., E.D.P.); and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (R.J.M., AF.H., E.C.O'B., E.D.P.)
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Murthy S, Mandl KD, Bourgeois FT. Industry-sponsored clinical research outside high-income countries: an empirical analysis of registered clinical trials from 2006 to 2013. Health Res Policy Syst 2015; 13:28. [PMID: 26041551 PMCID: PMC4465475 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-015-0019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Industry-sponsored clinical trials, in the past performed almost exclusively in more developed countries, now often recruit participants globally. However, recruitment from outside high-income countries may not represent the ultimate target population for the intervention. Clinical trial registries provide an opportunity to quantify and examine the type of clinical research performed in various geographic regions. We sought to characterize industry-sponsored randomized controlled trials conducted in high-income countries and to compare these trials to those performed outside high-income countries. Methods Clinical trial data on all industry-funded randomized controlled trials conducted between 2006 and 2014 were obtained from the registry ClinicalTrials.gov. Trials were classified according to their study sites as conducted in high or non-high income countries, and data on trial characteristics were collected. Results Of 22,511 relevant trials, a total of 6,085 (27.0 %) trials included study sites outside a high-income country, and 2,045 (9.1 %) were conducted exclusively outside high-income countries. Of country groups, Central Europe had the greatest number of trials (3,127), followed by Eastern Europe (2,075). The percentage of trials with study sites outside high-income countries remained relatively constant over the study period. Studies with sites outside high-income countries tended to recruit more participants (median enrolled participants 265 vs. 71, P <0.001), to be longer (median study duration 20 vs. 13 months, P <0.05), and to study more advanced phase interventions (Phase 3 or 4 trial 58 % vs. 33 %, P <0.001). Conclusions More than a quarter of industry-sponsored trials include participants from outside high-income countries and this rate remained stable over the 7-year study period. Trials conducted outside high-income countries tend to be larger, have a longer duration, and study later phase interventions compared to studies performed exclusively in high-income countries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12961-015-0019-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Murthy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, V6H 3V4, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Division of Critical Care, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Kenneth D Mandl
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Children's Hospital Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, 320 Longwood Avenue, 02115-5737, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Florence T Bourgeois
- Children's Hospital Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, 320 Longwood Avenue, 02115-5737, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Butler J, Fonarow GC, O'Connor C, Adams K, Bonow RO, Cody RJ, Collins SP, Dunnmon P, Dinh W, Fiuzat M, Georgiopoulou VV, Grant S, Kim SY, Kupfer S, Lefkowitz M, Mentz RJ, Misselwitz F, Pitt B, Roessig L, Schelbert E, Shah M, Solomon S, Stockbridge N, Yancy C, Gheorghiade M. Improving cardiovascular clinical trials conduct in the United States: recommendation from clinicians, researchers, sponsors, and regulators. Am Heart J 2015; 169:305-14. [PMID: 25728719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Advances in medical therapies leading to improved patient outcomes are in large part related to successful conduct of clinical trials that offer critical information regarding the efficacy and safety of novel interventions. The conduct of clinical trials in the United States, however, continues to face increasing challenges with recruitment and retention. These trends are paralleled by an increasing shift toward more multinational trials where most participants are enrolled in countries outside the United States, bringing into question the generalizability of the results to the American population. This manuscript presents the perspectives and recommendations from clinicians, researchers, sponsors, and regulators who attended a meeting facilitated by the Food and Drug Administration to improve upon the current clinical trial trends in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Butler
- Cardiology Division, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.
| | | | | | | | - Robert O Bonow
- Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Robert J Cody
- Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Raritan, NJ
| | | | - Preston Dunnmon
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Wilfried Dinh
- Department of Cardiology, Witten University, Witten, Germany; Global Drug Discovery, Clinical Sciences, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mona Fiuzat
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - Stephen Grant
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - So-Young Kim
- Global Clinical Development, Bayer HealthCare AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | | | - Robert J Mentz
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Frank Misselwitz
- Global Clinical Development, Bayer HealthCare AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Bertram Pitt
- Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lothar Roessig
- Global Clinical Development, Bayer HealthCare AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Erik Schelbert
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Monica Shah
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Scott Solomon
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Norman Stockbridge
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Clyde Yancy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Mihai Gheorghiade
- Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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15
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Yusuf S, Cairns J. The perilous state of independent randomized clinical trials and related applied research in Canada. CMAJ 2012; 184:1997-2002. [PMID: 22619342 PMCID: PMC3519168 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.110598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Salim Yusuf
- McMaster University and HamiltonHealth Sciences, Hamilton, On.
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16
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Increasing burden of institutional review in multicenter clinical trials of infertility: the Reproductive Medicine Network experience with the Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PPCOS) I and II studies. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:15-8. [PMID: 21645894 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.05.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Many clinical investigators think that the burden of Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements has been consistently increasing over recent years, although there are few objective data describing these trends. Over a period of 7 years, the Reproductive Medicine Network observed a significant increase in the size and requirements of IRB submissions and significant variability of IRB performance in reviewing multicenter trials. These additional regulatory and administrative demands represent substantial burdens to researchers and to the IRBs themselves. It is timely to consider whether these changes better protect the interests and safety of human research participants. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00068861 and NCT00719186.
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18
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Grootendorst P, Hollis A, Levine DK, Pogge T, Edwards AM. New approaches to rewarding pharmaceutical innovation. CMAJ 2010; 183:681-5. [PMID: 21149519 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.100375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Grootendorst
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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19
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Huang GD, Ferguson RE, Peduzzi PN, O'Leary TJ. Scientific and organizational collaboration in comparative effectiveness research: the VA cooperative studies program model. Am J Med 2010; 123:e24-31. [PMID: 21184863 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Comparative effectiveness research (CER) has the ability to improve health and inform patients, clinicians, and decision makers. However, calls for more devoted efforts with regard to CER have been countered by methodological, resource, and translational challenges related to conducting these studies. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) is a clinical research infrastructure that has contributed much evidence to support clinical practice for several decades. Although the CSP does not exclusively focus on CER, it employs strategies that lend themselves toward the planning and execution of studies that seek to compare interventions and/or strategies for treating disease. Consequently, the CSP provides a model for addressing important scientific, structural, and operational factors for clinical research, including large, national and multinational comparative effectiveness studies. Exploration of the difficulties the CSP has encountered can help to elucidate barriers that face CER. This article discusses factors and approaches for collaboratively developing and conducting definitive studies that produce outcomes aimed at influencing clinical practice, lessons that have resulted from such efforts, and ongoing challenges. Future program directions are also presented to highlight areas of emphasis and implications for CER within the VA and nationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant D Huang
- Cooperative Studies Program Central Office, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia 20420, USA.
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20
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Bollyky TJ, Cockburn IM, Berndt E. Bridging the gap: improving clinical development and the regulatory pathways for health products for neglected diseases. Clin Trials 2010; 7:719-34. [DOI: 10.1177/1740774510386390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background There has been tremendous progress over the last decade in the development of health products — drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics — for neglected diseases. There are now dozens of candidate products in the pipeline. Purpose Our purpose is to assess challenges that will arise in later-stage clinical development of these candidate health products and propose a strategy that would help bring the costs, risks, and finances for their clinical trials into a better, more sustainable balance. Methods We conducted a literature review of clinical trial-related publications, interviewed individuals sponsoring and conducting interventional clinical trials for neglected diseases, and analyzed data from Clinicaltrials.gov, a clinical trials registry, on neglected disease clinical trials initiating subject recruitment between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2009. We quantified Clinicaltrials.gov data into country-specific participation in clinical trials and aggregated them into geographic regions. We employed bioinformatics and keyword methods to classify trials by type of intervention, sponsor, study phase, and therapeutic area. Results Two substantial bottlenecks threaten our capacity to bring these candidate neglected disease therapies to those in need. First, the research and regulatory capacity in many neglected disease-endemic settings is not adequate to support the clinical trials that need to occur there in order to complete the development of these products. Second, even with expected attrition in the pipeline, current levels of financing are insufficient to support the clinical development of these products under current cost assumptions. Limitations The proportion of trials of relevant studies not registered on Clinicaltrials.gov is not known, but is thought to be smaller post-2005, after the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors initiated a policy requiring investigators to deposit information about trial design into an accepted clinical trials registry before beginning patient enrollment. Conclusions Realizing the promise of the neglected disease product pipeline will require not only increased funding for large-scale clinical trials and capacity building, but also greater attention to how these trials and their regulatory pathways can be improved to reduce unnecessary costs, delays, and risks to trial subjects. We propose a two-prong strategy: (1) adaptation and adoption of emerging research on ‘sensible guidelines’ for reducing large-scale, randomized clinical trial costs to the demands of the neglected disease product pipeline and (2) regional approaches to regulation and ethical review of clinical trials for health products for neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ernst Berndt
- Massachusetts Institute for Technology Sloan School of Management, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Pasquali SK, Burstein DS, Benjamin DK, Smith PB, Li JS. Globalization of pediatric research: analysis of clinical trials completed for pediatric exclusivity. Pediatrics 2010; 126:e687-92. [PMID: 20732941 PMCID: PMC2932835 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the setting of published studies conducted under the US Pediatric Exclusivity Provision, which provides economic incentives to pharmaceutical companies to conduct drug studies with children. METHODS Published studies containing the main results of trials conducted in 1998-2007 under the Pediatric Exclusivity Provision were included. Data were extracted from each study and described, including the therapeutic area of drug studied, number of patients enrolled, number of sites, and location where the study was conducted, if reported. RESULTS Overall, 174 trials were included (sample size: 8-27 065 patients); 9% did not report any information regarding the location or number of sites where the study was conducted. Of trials that did report such information, 65% were conducted in >or=1 country outside the United States, and 11% did not include any sites in the United States. Fifty-four countries were represented, and 38% of trials enrolled patients in >or=1 site located in a developing/transition country, including more than one-third of infectious disease, cardiovascular, and allergy/immunology trials. CONCLUSIONS The majority of published pediatric trials conducted under the Pediatric Exclusivity Provision included sites outside the United States, and more than one-third of trials enrolled patients in developing/transition countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Pasquali
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, PO Box 17969, Durham, NC 27715, USA.
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22
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Glickman SW, McHutchison JG, Peterson ED, Cairns CB, Harrington RA, Califf RM, Schulman KA. Ethical and scientific implications of the globalization of clinical research. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:816-23. [PMID: 19228627 DOI: 10.1056/nejmsb0803929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 419] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seth W Glickman
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27715, USA
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23
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Pehboeck D, Hohlrieder M, Wenzel V, Benzer A. Submission of clinical studies to ethics committees or clinical trials registers: the authors' point of view. Intensive Care Med 2009; 35:713-6. [PMID: 19205659 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-009-1434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the satisfaction of clinical scientists when submitting study drafts to an ethics committee/clinical trials register (CLINICALTRIALS, EUDRACT, ISRCTN) we conducted an online survey of 240 authors publishing in anesthesia/critical care medicine (A) or in major general medical (M) journals from January to December 2007. No statistical difference between groups A and M was seen with regard to the number of studies submitted to ethics committees or registered in various clinical trials registers. On a visual analogue scale (VAS -10 to +10), the subjective evaluation of the effort required to submit a study draft to an ethics committee or enter it in a clinical trials register produced almost only negative grades in both groups. The mean different perceptions ranged from -3.5 to -0.1 in group A and from -4.4 to -0.2 (except for +0.1 and 1.9 in 2 subgroups) in group M. The authors in both groups gave a positive score to the better transparency in scientific research resulting from introduction of the clinical trials registers (+2.4 in group A, +4.8 in group M). The results of our study indicate widespread author dissatisfaction when submitting a clinical trial to ethics committees or clinical trials registers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pehboeck
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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24
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Eisenstein EL, Collins R, Cracknell BS, Podesta O, Reid ED, Sandercock P, Shakhov Y, Terrin ML, Sellers MA, Califf RM, Granger CB, Diaz R. Sensible approaches for reducing clinical trial costs. Clin Trials 2008; 5:75-84. [PMID: 18283084 DOI: 10.1177/1740774507087551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade, annual funding for biomedical research has more than doubled while new molecular entity approvals have declined by one third. OBJECTIVE To assess the value of practices commonly employed in the conduct of large-scale clinical trials, and to identify areas where costs could be reduced without compromising scientific validity. METHODS In the qualitative phase of the study, an expert panel recommended potential modifications of mega-trial designs and operations in order to maximize their value (cost versus scientific benefit tradeoff). In the quantitative phase, a mega-trial economic model was used to assess the financial implications of these recommendations. Our initial chronic disease trial design included 20,000 patients randomized at 1000 sites. Each site was assigned 24 monitoring visits and a $10,000 per patient site payment. The case report form (CRF) was 60 pages long, and trial duration was assumed to be 48 months. RESULTS The total costs of the initial trial design were $421 million ($US 2007). Following the expert panel's recommendations, we varied study duration, CRF length, number of sites, electronic data capture (EDC), and site management components to determine their individual and combined effects upon total trial costs. The use of EDC and modified site management practices were associated with significant reductions in total trial costs. When reductions in all five trial components were combined in a streamlined pharmaceutical industry design, a 59% reduction in total trial costs resulted. When we assumed an even more streamlined trial design than has typically been considered for regulatory submissions in the past, there was a 90% reduction in total trial costs. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that it is possible to reduce substantially the cost of large-scale clinical trials without compromising the scientific validity of their results. If implemented, our recommendations could free billions of dollars annually for additional clinical studies. Research in the setting of clinical trials should be conducted to refine these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Eisenstein
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Califf RM, Harrington RA, Madre LK, Peterson ED, Roth D, Schulman KA. Curbing The Cardiovascular Disease Epidemic: Aligning Industry, Government, Payers, And Academics. Health Aff (Millwood) 2007; 26:62-74. [PMID: 17211015 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.26.1.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of progress in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular disease, its prevalence continues to grow in both developed and developing countries. We have constructed a model, the "cycle of quality," which connects the innovation of initial scientific discovery with validated methods of translating research into effective delivery. This model can serve as a basis for evaluating proposed efforts to improve interactions among private and public aspects of health care to accelerate development and appropriate adoption of new treatments, and to achieve greater penetration of effective behavioral therapies and established technologies, resulting in major improvements in cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Califf
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will identify ethical issues arising from conflicts of interest in sponsored clinical trials, and the need for compliance with recent privacy legislation. It will guide investigators facing ethical dilemmas that compromise the integrity of their research because of conflicts of interest or a flawed consent process. Authors will learn about changes in journal editorial policies that will require registration of clinical trials and consent for publication of case reports. RECENT FINDINGS Recently, ethics review committees and clinical investigators have violated research ethical guidelines and authors have ignored journal policies on disclosure of data in multicentre clinical trials. Published reports show selective reporting of data from clinical trials that biases the body of evidence available for clinical decision-making. Privacy laws legislate that patient consent for the use of their health information, other than for their clinical care, must be obtained explicitly. SUMMARY Clinical trial registration and the need for consent for publication of case reports aim to restore and improve the integrity of biomedical publication. Journal policies that incorporate these changes may be persuasive in interpreting privacy laws, in a practical way, to protect patients from harm. It is difficult to eliminate all ethical problems with sponsored trials and government regulatory drug-approval processes may require review.
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