The Austen Bioinnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA) has created a “Center for Clinical Trials and Product Development” (CCTPD) to capitalize on the opportunities available from clinical trials that can possibly advance and move biomedical product development forward. ABIA is working collaboratively with Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron General Health System, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Summa Health System, and the University of Akron.
CCTPD will work to create innovative solutions so that researchers will be able to take product development to the stage where the product can then be assessed for commercial potential. After this stage, early stage product development will result along with clinical trials, the product will move forward to market approval, and then on to simulation training.
Dr. Stan McDermott a 30 year pharmaceutical development and clinical research industry who is leading CCTPD, wants to see the new center provide ABIA partnerships and biomedical companies with expertise in medical device and biopharmaceutical development. The goal is to provide a single stop full service support system for product development and regulatory approval so that products will speed to the marketplace.
As for the Federal sector, NIH has just created a new website “NIH Clinical Research Trials and You” at www.nih.gov/health/clinicaltrials to help people learn more about clinical trials, why they matter, and how to participate.
The website has information on:
• The basics of clinical trial participation
• First hand experiences and stories from actual clinical trial volunteers
• Explanations, and information from researchers
• Links to help search for a trial or to enroll in a research matching program
In addition, healthcare professionals can read about evidence-based strategies for talking with patients, print audience-tested posters to help promote trials in clinics and offices, and find other educational materials.
