News from the World of Clinical Research

Make it Public – transparency and openness in health and social care research

The Health Research Authority (HRA) in association with the devolved administrations, has launched a consultation on research transparency. Last year the organisation was tasked by the House of Common…

Outdated technology systems still ‘limiting’ UK patient care

A new Computacenter survey has found that IT decision-makers believe outdated digital technology systems are still limiting patient care.

The independent provider of digital technology infrastructure…

Catalyst sues FDA, seeks to vacate approval of a competitor's drug

A small biotech launched a legal battle Wednesday with the Food and Drug Administration, claiming the regulator's recent approval of a new drug is illegal and should be thrown out.

Mouse study finds BPA exposure has transgenerational effects on gene linked to autism

Exposure to BPA appears to have a transgenerational effect on autism risk. Mice whose great grandmothers were exposed to BPA during pregnancy exhibited social behavioral deficits associated with ASD.

FDA taps Merck for blockchain pilot project

IBM, KPMG, Merck & Co. and Walmart said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration chose them to be part of a blockchain pilot program designed to track and ensure the integrity of medicines.

ABPI publishes new guidelines on pharma working with patients

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has published a new guide for pharmaceutical companies working with patients, which provides companies with new guidance on "working succe…

Chutes & Ladders—Bristol-Myers unveils post-Celgene R&D team

BMS Chief Scientific Officer Tom Lynch is set to leave by the start of October.

The Big Pharma is dividing its new-look R&D group into early- and late-phase development, handing Celgene’s Rupert …

How to Make the Most of Your Clinical Trial Data—All of it

Banks can detect fraud the instant it happens, saving them millions annually. Retail operations seem to recommend products as soon as we think of them. And manufacturers can perform maintenance on mac…

High levels of rare gut bacteria may be linked to restless legs syndrome

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be more prevalent among patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS), according to preliminary findings from a small, new study.

Trump visit: Could US companies run NHS services after Brexit?

Along with the pomp, protests and politics, President Trump's visit to the UK brought renewed debate about whether a post-Brexit trade deal between the two countries could involve opening up the NHS t…

The gene therapy era has arrived. So have the challenges.

A landmark regulatory approval has vaulted the cell and gene therapy space to the front of the drug industry's mind. But speedy progress has also brought forward significant challenges.

BMJ study shows correlation between processed foods and CV disease

According to a recently published report in the BMJ, higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular, coronary heart, and cerebrovascular diseases.

NICE issues guidance revision for depression

A new report in the BMJ shows that the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has been urged to undergo a “full and proper revision” of its 2009 guideline on adult depression, after a…

GM fungus rapidly kills 99% of malaria mosquitoes, study suggests

A fungus - genetically enhanced to produce spider toxin - can rapidly kill huge numbers of the mosquitoes that spread malaria, a study suggests.

Trials, which took place in Burkina Faso, showed mosqu…

Theresa May failed to tackle “country’s biggest injustices”, says NHS

Current prime minister Theresa May is set to step down on 7 June, after a teary speech in which she said she had helped give “voice to the voiceless” with her contributions to the NHS during her time …

ASCO: In early study results, Grail's blood test identifies 12 cancers before they spread

New, early data from Grail showed its liquid biopsy test not only was able to detect the presence of 12 different kinds of early-stage cancer but could also identify the disease’s location within the …