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Merck Looks Beyond First-In-Class Only As It Seeks To Bolster R&D Productivity

 
• By Wendy Diller

With three large outcomes studies to read out interim or final results, 2012 is likely to be a pivotal year for Merck’s R&D, even as it rebalances its traditionally first-in-class emphasis to a hybrid model that also embraces best in class.

Merck & Co. Inc. has been rebalancing its R&D portfolio to mix more best-in-class molecules into its historic emphasis on first-in-class molecules. Several years into the effort, about 50% of its lead optimization resources in discovery are now dedicated to “best-in-class” programs, executives said during the company’s Nov. 10 R&D day.

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More from Clinical Trials

Making EU Clinical Trials Regulation A Success ‘Takes All Of Us To Tango’

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Sponsors and regulatory agencies within the 27 EU member states must all be “committed” to working with the EU Clinical Trials Regulation in the most appropriate way to keep pace with other countries, including the UK where competition is heating up, says Miguel Forte, CEO of Kiji Therapeutics.

EU HTA Regulation: Don’t Forget About Vaccines, Industry Warns

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Europe’s vaccines industry wants to make sure immunizations “are not forgotten” by policymakers who are overseeing the EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation. It has highlighted several nuances of vaccines that should be addressed over the coming years.

Industry Keen On ‘Stepwise’ PIPs, But Future Hinges On EU Pharma Legislation Reform

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Industry feedback on a European Medicines Agency pilot that introduced a “stepwise” approach to pediatric investigation plans was positive, but the future of the new model will depend on the outcome of the pharmaceutical legislation negotiations, the agency says.

EMA Initiative To Address Information Overload In CTIS Training Materials

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The European Medicines Agency has launched a phased initiative to consolidate the wide array of training materials for the Clinical Trials Information System, aiming to eliminate duplication, ensure consistency, improve accessibility and enhance user-friendliness.

More from R&D

India Signals ‘Systemic Changes’ In CGT Regulatory Approach

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

India is pressing ahead with “big shifts” in its regulatory approach for cell and gene therapies. Reduced “layers of review”, tighter internal timelines, upcoming guidelines to facilitate CGT development and reforms in the constitution of expert committees are some of the key changes.

HRA To Revisit Simplified Consent Provisions Under New UK Clinical Trials Law

 
• By Vibha Sharma

Study sponsors looking for guidance on how the simplified informed consent provisions will be implemented under the new UK clinical trials legislation will have to wait longer. The Health Research Authority is looking at what safeguards are needed to address the “range of concerns” stakeholders had regarding its initial proposal.

French Bill Could Improve Clinical Research, But Further Action Is Required

 
• By Francesca Bruce

France’s simplification bill is a “first step” to improving the country’s clinical research environment, but more could be done to drive decentralized trials and simplify processes, says Leem, the French pharmaceutical industry association.