Not for the first time I was awake at 3am this morning. Cup of tea in hand, watching American football. It's amazing how those players keep the ball when so many other players are piling on top of them. Rarely do you see the thing break free. They must practice for hours.... The House of Commons … Continue reading Do I detect a slight fumble of the ball in today’s Commons Select Committee report on clinical trials?
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New websites launched for people looking to join a clinical trial; but will patients want a ‘coming together’ at some point?
This week, patients got a couple more options for finding out about clinical trials they can take part in. Patientslikeme (which was launched in the United States a few years ago) has unveiled its new new clinical trials site which you can find here. Patientslikeme is capturing a lot of attention here in the UK … Continue reading New websites launched for people looking to join a clinical trial; but will patients want a ‘coming together’ at some point?
OECD wades into clinical trials debate, but statement on public involvement goes awol
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) yesterday waded into the increasingly feverish debate about the regulation of clinical trials with a strongly worded recommendation calling on its members to harmonise approval processes. The recommendation which is worded with the minimum of fuss, is backed by a more detailed explanatory memorandum. But I am … Continue reading OECD wades into clinical trials debate, but statement on public involvement goes awol
Patients need apply – European Medicines Agency (EMA) next steps on clinical trial data
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published the note of the conference held in London a few weeks ago, about its plans for proactive publication of clinical trial data. It is now setting up five advisory groups and inviting self-nominations from people to join these. You will find the following listing of the advisory groups, plus … Continue reading Patients need apply – European Medicines Agency (EMA) next steps on clinical trial data
At last! A patient-centred statement on the proposed EU Clinical Trials Regulation
First, a brief history of time in the Europe Union (EU). It goes slowly. That's it! For the last two years or so the European Commission has been consulting on plans to revise the European Clinical Trials Directive. The Directive has been in force since 2001. Researchers hate it. To be fair so do many … Continue reading At last! A patient-centred statement on the proposed EU Clinical Trials Regulation
Diabetes and cancer network reports on engaging people about clinical research and more…
My thanks to the Diabetes Research Network (DRN) for sending me their report 'Improving public awareness of clinical research.' Clinical research networks are at the 'front-line' in terms of encouraging people to take part in research and this report gives a good insight into some of the tools and strategies used by DRN. Others trying to … Continue reading Diabetes and cancer network reports on engaging people about clinical research and more…
Current Controlled Trials (CCT) appoints new advisory board
Current Controlled Trials (CCT), which aims 'to increase the availability, and promote the exchange, of information about ongoing randomised controlled trials worldwide,' has appointed a new advisory board to help it in its work. Other than yours truly, the Board includes Ben Goldacre and Paul Wicks (PatientsLikeMe) among its members, and is drawing on international … Continue reading Current Controlled Trials (CCT) appoints new advisory board
Australia launches new clinical trials website for consumers and it’s not as good as the UK’s (UKCTG)
We do beat ourselves up on a regular basis in this country. Sometimes appropriately. But often the punches fly a little too freely. Australia have launched a new clinical trials website today to boost patient recruitment. It has strengths. But it is not as good as our own UK Clinical Trials Gateway (UKCTG). For one … Continue reading Australia launches new clinical trials website for consumers and it’s not as good as the UK’s (UKCTG)
Patient View launches EU health ‘apps’ directory
Patient View have today launched a new EU director of health 'apps' - these are the things people download onto iPhones and other smartphone devices. As I understand it each of the health 'apps' was recommended by patient groups and patients across the European Union. They are categorised according to the service they provide. You … Continue reading Patient View launches EU health ‘apps’ directory
Clinical trials and children: impact on outcomes
Interesting paper from the Annals of Oncology and covered in PharmaTimes on how access to clinical trials has led to better outcomes for children with cancer. The data relates to clinical trial activity promoted by the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group. A direct quote from the article says: "Between 1966 and 1970 just 28% of young … Continue reading Clinical trials and children: impact on outcomes
Pfizer undaunted by social media hurdles in clinical trial recruitment
This was reported last week in the US press but I have not seen it covered here in the UK. Pfizer has reeled-in its social media strategy for recruiting patients to a US clinical trial of over-active bladder drug, Detrol. But it hopes to come back next year with a renewed 'virtual trial strategy.' In the meantime … Continue reading Pfizer undaunted by social media hurdles in clinical trial recruitment
Consortium publishes new principles for transparency in clinical trials/The Guardian debate on public engagement in research
So, this has been fairly well-reported already. But in a show of my utmost commitment to the transparency agenda here is a link to the news release on the Royal College of Physicians (RCP website) about yesterday's launch by the Ethical Standards in Health and Life Sciences Group (ESHLSG) (a consortia of professional, medical and commercial … Continue reading Consortium publishes new principles for transparency in clinical trials/The Guardian debate on public engagement in research
DH and charities reach acoRD over medical research costs
Divvying up the costs of conducting research in the NHS funded by medical research charities is an intricate business. Who pays for that research nurse, their time in administering the extra treatment required in a clinical trial, the procedures and equipment needed as part of its conduct, the oversight and governance needed to ensure that things are done … Continue reading DH and charities reach acoRD over medical research costs
Behavioural matters: pharma could learn its way out of its ‘slump’ by working more closely with patients
I thought this short piece by David Shaywitz in US Forbes Magazine was terrific. David examines three problems identified by the pharmaceutical industry as holding them back, and proposes solutions to each. The first seems to follow on neatly from my blog on Saturday which looked at the venture philanthropy tactics being pursued by charities to … Continue reading Behavioural matters: pharma could learn its way out of its ‘slump’ by working more closely with patients
It’s all in a name: a Citizens Innovation Fund
With the budget not too far away, it is that time of year when organisations up and down the country are putting last-minute submissions into HM Treasury. Give more money into this, lower tax here, or there, they say. Very few, if any, will call for this or that to be cut. And while some … Continue reading It’s all in a name: a Citizens Innovation Fund
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 