Reflections
What has the industry and the FDA accomplished this year and what still needs to be done?
In January of this year I asked whether the pharmaceutical industry was ready for the new challenges ahead and the responsibility that came with it. The decline in blockbuster drugs, trial registry, DTC advertising, regulations, drug safety, transparency, partnerships, a distrusting public, and an ailing FDA headed the list of concerns being expressed by many in the industry. Although there has been a decline in revenue due to the lack of blockbuster drugs, a report by Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development noted that new
Toby Jane Hindin, EdD
drugs entering clinical testing had actually increased 52% between 19982002 and 20032005 (Impact Report, May/June 2006). The report indicated that about 20% of new drugs that enter clinical testing earn U.S. market approval.
This is good news. Drug safety concerns and a more vigilant regulatory environment, however, are beginning to show up in the new molecular entities (NME) and Biologics License Application (BLA) areas, according to an October report (The US Drug Approval Trends and Yearbook 2006/2007, Barnett International).
Although just over 70% of priority NME/BLAs received first-cycle approvals in 2005, emerging data from the report's review of standard NME/BLAs may be an indication of a tougher regulatory environment. Over the last two years there has been an increase in first-cycle not-approvable actions for the standard class of NME/BLAs. The report cautions this may be "evidence" that the FDA is asking for more data related to drug safety.
Pharma has responded to the oftentimes vociferous testimony of the public at FDA hearings. Health information ads are being aired on many stations and appear to be replacing DTC drug ads. In addition, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a program for those who cannot afford prescription drugs, is making an impact. By July 2006, 2.5 million patients had been connected to programs and free health clinics.
Strategic alliances and shared partnerships appear to be maximizing returns within the industry. Big pharma is changing infrastructure and smaller companies are developing strategies for growth. Joint ventures are being enhanced by copromotions, codevelopment, and technology partnerships. TAP's co-promotion agreement with Novartis, Pfizer's reshuffle and scaling down, and J&J's expansion into health care are just a few examples of the changes taking place.
The contract research industry is following suit with innovative changes at a time when market opportunity and growth is at an all-time high. Drug companies and CROs have entered into shared and risk- based alliances and in turn CROs have developed unique relationships with technology, laboratory, and staffing companies.
The public and the press continue to hold the FDA and pharma accountable on the issue of drug safety. A September 2006 analysis by the IOM (Institute of Medicine) of the FDA's ability to evaluate drug safety pointed to the need for a serious overhaul. Funding and a change in its infrastructure is needed in order to make the FDA a viable organization.
The good news is that a public coalition, the FDA Alliance, is stepping forward in support of the agency and raising awareness of its purpose. The Alliance announced their intention to focus national attention on the agency's need for a larger budget to ensure a stronger FDA. Plaudits to the Alliance.
Toby Jane Hindin, EdD
Editor-in-Chief
email: thindin@advanstar.com
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.
