Clinical Trials for Kids
Updates on pediatric trials, including news from a recent study.
The market for prescription pediatric drugs worldwide is expected to approach $43 million by 2011, according to Kalorama Information Research. There are approximately 2.5 billion children in the world, representing 40% of the population. Most drugs in development for children are in the areas of genetic diseases including cystic fibrosis, Gaucher disease, and hemophilia; and infectious diseases, including head lice, influenza, and RSV.
Medicines in Development for Children
While the drugs in development for pediatrics cover a horizontal therapeutic market, conducting trials in children is not a one-size-fits -all enterprise.
In November, Peter Joiner, Chief Executive Officer of Madeira Therapeutics, which conducts pediatric trials, told Applied Clinical Trials in a podcast that both children and parents need to be comfortable in order to participate in a pediatric trial. So investigative sites need to accommodate the family and be "kid friendly." Strategies include bright colors, friendly people, flexible scheduling, and an overall welcoming environment.
However, a recent study appearing in Pediatrics (March 29, 125: e876-e883) and covered as a news item on Medscape, shows issues specific to the pediatric consent process. This study indicated that a full 86% of children participating in oncology trials did not understand what their doctor was saying to them about the trial, and that the decision was more in the hands of their parents and doctors. The authors of the study said that the findings mean that enhanced communication between the pediatric oncologists and the families would help improve the assent/consent process. Felix Khin-Maung-Gyi, Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Research Review, told us that the study shows "we have a long way to go in terms of the general populations understanding of research and the role of participation."
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.
Reaching Diverse Patient Populations With Personalized Treatment Methods
January 20th 2025Daejin Abidoye, head of solid tumors, oncology development, AbbVie, discusses a number of topics around diversity in clinical research including industry’s greatest challenges in reaching diverse patient populations, personalized treatment methods, recruitment strategies, and more.
