Great article.

Peg

Thanks!

http://www.ciscrp.org/information/facts.asp

General

Currently there are approximately 50,000 clinical trials taking place in the United States, 80% are delayed at least one month because of unfulfilled enrollment. (Source: CenterWatch)

One out of every four volunteers drops out of a study after they have begun participation. (Source: CenterWatch)

In the 1960s it took 8.1 years to develop a new drug-in the 1990s it took researchers 15.3 years, or nearly double the time. (Association of Clinical Research Professionals)

From 2001 to 2004 the number of people who stated that they had the opportunity to participate in a clinical research study increased by almost 50% from 13% to 19% (Harris Interactive, May 2004)

Although 61% of new cases of cancer occur among the elderly, recent studies indicate that the elderly comprise only 35% of participants in cancer clinical trials. (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2003)

One in 8 physicians (13%) currently serve as a clinical investigator (Harris Interactive, May 2004)

In 2001, there were 402 different drugs in cancer trials, according to a survey on new medicines in development for cancer, published by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Eighty-seven percent of physicians are not involved in clinical trials - 38% attribute lack of opportunity as the main reason for not serving as a Principal or Sub Investigator in a clinical trial and 32 % feel that the time commitment is too much (Harris Interactive, May 2004)

Studies show that (breast cancer) patients who take part in clinical trials tend to do better than those who do not. This may be because clinical trial patients are given excellent care and follow-up, no matter what treatment they get. Also, hospitals that do clinical trials have access to state-of-the-art equipment and follow precise guidelines when giving treatment.

http://bcresourcedirectory.org/direc...cal_trials.htm

Clinical trial recruiting for a possible neuroprotective agent:
Safety Study of Isradipine (A Potential Neuroprotective Agent) in People with Parkinson’s Disease
http://www.pdtrials.org/front/trial_...p?trial_id=177

An agent that may slow the progression of the disease
NET-PD LS-1 Creatine in Parkinson’s Disease - Recruiting 1,720 Participants!
http://www.pdtrials.org/front/trial_...p?trial_id=131