ABPI launches clinical trials website

The ABPI has launched a website, which provides details of clinical trials undertaken by drug companies that involve UK patients.

The publicly accessible website - thought to be the first of its kind in the world set-up by the pharmaceutical industry - start service with clinical trial reports already in place from major drug companies, with more expected to join.

'The pharmaceutical industry in the UK has once again taken a lead by providing information on clinical trials,' said Dr Trevor Jones, director general of the ABPI. 'It is proof of our commitment to greater openness and a greater flow of communication between ourselves, healthcare professionals and patients.'

The site will provide a readily accessible list and information about which trials have been carried out and in which therapeutic areas. Participating companies will register Phase III trials within three months of receiving their first licence in a major market.

Among the information about the trials that will be included on the website are:

• details of the company conducting the trial

• the design and methodology being used

• the topic, objective and aim

• the planned and actual sample size

• the start and end date, plus any information about follow-up duration

• whether the results of the trial have been published in a learned journal and, if so, its details

• details of how to get further information