New report looks at clinical trials in Illinois
Illinois research provides cutting edge treatments for patients

[October 24, 2017] Thursday, October 18th, in conjunction with partners across the state, We Work for Health released a new report, “Research in Your Backyard,” highlighting clinical trial opportunities for patients across Illinois and specifically in the 13th Congressional District.

Cities in the report included Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Edwardsville, Maryville, Normal and Springfield. Currently, there are nearly 130 active clinical trials in and around the 13th Congressional District and nearly 950 statewide.

“The opportunities that exist for Illinoisans to participate in the research and development of new and improved therapies have never been greater,” said Joel Africk, President and Chief Executive Officer for the Respiratory Health Association. “The clinical trials being conducted in Illinois are focusing on some of the most challenging diseases, including asthma, arthritis, cancer, COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Clinical tests of new drugs are conducted in three phases and, on average, account for nearly seven of the more than 10 years it takes to bring a new drug from development to patients. Clinical trials are responsible for more than half of the $2.6 billion average cost of developing one new innovative medicine.

The report was released at the AbbVie Innovation Center in the University of Illinois Research Park. Speakers included site director Masha Trenhaile; Paul Lindsay with PhRMA; Dr. Krishna Rao, Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University; and Congressman Rodney Davis.

“Illinois is home to renowned academic institutions, a steady supply of skilled labor, world class biopharmaceutical companies, and some of the country’s best research hospitals and academic medical centers,” said Joseph Gaspero, president and co-founder of the Center for Healthcare Innovation. “Add in one of the most diverse patient populations in the world and you have all the ingredients for the epicenter of clinical research.”

We Work For Health is a grassroots initiative that shows how biopharmaceutical research and medical innovation work together to create a strong, vibrant economy and a healthier America. We unite biopharmaceutical companies with business and community partners to raise awareness about the vital role we all play in delivering life-saving and life-enhancing advancements in medicine, while educating elected leaders on the impact that public policies have on our ability to continue to innovate. www.WeWorkForHealth.org

Report:  Research in your backyard Pdf

[Jenna Rainwater/Heidi Frederickson]