RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(MARKET WIRE)--Sep 23, 2008 -- According to the recently published report, "Investigator-Initiated Trials: Building Superior IIT Capabilities," developed by pharmaceutical market research leader Cutting Edge Information, more pharmaceutical companies are formalizing the collection process for IIT proposals (IITPs) (www.investigatorinitiatedtrials.com). Methods may differ from company to company, but the consensus is clear -- IITP collection procedures help control a once chaotic process.

Establishing an efficient submission process is the first hurdle toward creating guidelines for IITPs. Medical science liaisons (MSLs) and sales reps remain the number one source of IITP submissions, because of their frequent communication and close contact with physicians. However, not all companies rely solely on MSLs to collect IITPs. Some have established online submission systems, which have served to open the process to physicians worldwide.

Effectively communicating IITP submission guidelines to both internal and external parties serves to facilitate the collection and review process. Many of the companies surveyed find it useful to make guidelines for IITP submissions public on their company website. This practice has helped reduce the number of proposals with incomplete information.

"Pharmaceutical companies are flooded with IITPs every year," says Eric Bolesh, lead author of the report. "Creating a set of standard operating procedures for the collection of IITPs helps everyone down the line. The review process becomes much more efficient when proposals from many different investigators are written in a uniform manner."

To offer a comprehensive look at the current state of IIT management, "Investigator-Initiated Trials: Building Superior IIT Capabilities" provides data benchmarks that will enable companies to improve their IIT initiatives. Findings center on the following topics:

 
--  Companies' assessments of IIT performance and areas of improvement
--  Study proposal review and evaluation timelines
--  Budgets and funding
--  IIT program profiles

Surveyed respondents reveal difficulties in selecting viable study opportunities, tracking studies, overseeing clinical trial management and making use of study findings. Beyond identifying these obstacles, however, companies provide creative solutions. Based on data and these insights, the report authors recommend strategies to optimize IIT performance.

Download a complimentary online brochure of "Investigator-Initiated Trials: Building Superior IIT Capabilities" or purchase the report at: www.investigatorinitiatedtrials.com.

     For questions about the report, please contact:
     Eric Bolesh
     Email Contact
     919-433-0209