(PharmaNet Development Group: Princeton, NJ) -- PharmaNet Development Group Inc., a provider of drug development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug, and medical device industries, has released a new survey on pharmaceutical observational research, the fourth in an ongoing series. The survey is open to all in the industry with an interest in observational research and can be accessed here through Oct. 31.

“Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly looking to prospective observational research for compiling real-world data on post-approval clinical performance, economic value, patient quality of life, and product safety,” says Jeff Trotter, executive vice president, Phase IV Development, and creator of the survey. “While the scientific community excels at designing and executing controlled clinical trials, there may be less appreciation for the value of observational studies. The goal of the survey is to identify underlying issues in order to move toward more appropriately designed studies that improve the understanding of product performance among clients, regulators, policymakers, physicians, and patients.”

Previous surveys have revealed that drug-development organizations can benefit from broader cross functional collaboration and consensus on the strategy for observational research. The latest survey will continue to track evolving trends.

The results of this survey, plus the findings identified in previous surveys, are expected to be released in November. If you are interested in receiving the findings report or receiving more information on pharmaceutical observational research, contact aserody@pharmanet.com.