Lessons learned: Clinical trials

A dynamic and collaborative health care ecosystem is crucial to conducting efficient and effective clinical trials, but two-thirds of trials fail to enroll enough participants. Misconceptions and a lack of awareness about this important research often keep people from participating. That’s why we recognized Clinical Trials Awareness Week – to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of clinical trials, including patients and researchers, like Nina and Abbe, who each shared their take on the clinical trial process with us.

Last Thursday, PhRMA joined hundreds of organizations and individuals during this observance to thank these heroes and raise awareness about the critical need for increased participation in clinical trials. A wealth of insights and unique perspectives were shared, demonstrating the importance of involving all stakeholders to educate and empower people to learn more about whether participation in a clinical trial is right for them. From demystifying the process to providing tools to help locate a trial, physicians, researchers, clinical trial participants, advocacy groups and many others raised awareness about clinical trial participation.

Special thanks to our panelists for sharing their insights with us:

• Nina Martinez, clinical trial participant
• Mohamed E. Salem, MD, Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• Coalition for Clinical Trials Awareness
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Pfizer

America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are committed to increasing awareness about clinical trials. See what they had to say during our Clinical Trials Awareness Week.

Thanks to all our #ClinicalTrials participants & researchers—you help make medical innovation a reality! #CTAW2016 pic.twitter.com/4KphnhZWB6

— AbbVie (@abbvie) May 2, 2016

We're committed to transparency of our clinical research regardless of the results https://t.co/d92fdzIn62 #CTAW2016 pic.twitter.com/c1YeXPCJoC

— Astellas Pharma US (@AstellasUS) May 3, 2016

During Clinical Trial Awareness Week, May 2-6, we’re applauding the individuals who have made innovative medicines a reality. #CTAW2016

— Bristol-Myers Squibb (@bmsnews) May 2, 2016

Have you ever thought about participating in a #clinicaltrial? Learn more about our #clinicaltrials https://t.co/kaSUzMZbgO #CTAW2016

— Celgene Corporation (@Celgene) May 3, 2016

Check out 10 common misconceptions around #clinicaltrials in this great guide from @PhRMA: https://t.co/H5kIYK7OnI #CTAW2016

— Lilly Trials (@LillyTrials) May 3, 2016

#DYK It’s Clinical Trials Awareness Week? Let’s raise awareness abt the importance of this research https://t.co/7Gu5kvS02Z #CTAW2016 @PhRMA

— LundbeckUS (@LundbeckUS) May 3, 2016

Our VP for #Oncology Clinical Development, Dr Eric Rubin, shares his perspective on cancer #clinicaltrials: https://t.co/8X9eSxUyou #CTAW16

— Merck (@Merck) May 3, 2016

Do you know what month it is? It's Cancer Research Month! Check out our open clinical trials at: https://t.co/cGtB5Q3tsc #NCPM

— NovartisCancerUSOnly (@NovartisCancrUS) May 2, 2016

We have important info on our GetHealthyStayHealthy site & an interactive info site on #clinicaltrials: #CTAW2016 https://t.co/JqjKvUb86i

— Pfizer Inc. (@pfizer) May 5, 2016

Have you ever thought about participating in a #clinicaltrial? Find out if one may be right for you: https://t.co/UiTbqqHnQY #CTAW2016

— Purdue Pharma L.P. (@purduepharma) May 4, 2016

MT @MichaelJFoxOrg Join us Thurs at noon ET for a Twitter chat on #clinicaltrial participation & learn more about getting involved #CTAW2016

— Sanofi US (@SanofiUS) May 4, 2016

While Clinical Trials Awareness Week may be over, the need to spread the word about the importance of clinical trials never fades. Get the facts about how America's biopharmaceutical companies are designing new ways to conduct clinical trials to increase efficiency and bring medicines to patients faster. Learn more here.