CHICAGO – September 16, 2010

During the past two decades, industry-sponsored clinical trials have dramatically shifted away from academic medical centers (AMCs) to community-based research settings. New data provided by Tufts Centers for the Study of Drug Development and reported by industry news publication CenterWatch Monthly September 2010 edition indicates that shift has continued.

In 2000, 51% of industry sponsored clinical trials phases one through three were awarded to AMCs. As of 2009, that percentage dropped significantly to 35%.

“This shift in where clinical trials are conducted is reflective of community hospitals, health systems and physicians becoming more savvy about clinical research opportunities and an increased understanding of the return on investment,” comments Kristin P. Hutchins, President and CEO of GuideStar® Clinical Trials Management. “With the proper research infrastructure in place, community hospitals and physicians can conduct cutting-edge research bringing new therapies to the local population and prestige to the organization in a financially feasible manner.”

Pharmaceutical and device companies are attracted to community health care settings for conducting research because they typically are more efficient with less bureaucracy than AMCs. Also, they usually have a larger patient population pool, which may result in successful patient enrollment.

About GuideStar®

GuideStar® Clinical Trials Management is a comprehensive, outsourced clinical research company for health care organizations across the country. It provides “private label” clinical research departments for hospitals, physician practice groups and health care centers. Through GuideStar®, these facilities have a cost-effective means to be at the forefront of clinical trials for the benefit of patients, attractiveness to physicians, and enhancement of their own reputation.

GuideStar® holds in the highest regard the principles governing clinical research. It recognizes the precision of execution, efficiency and operational excellence needed to navigate client partners through the complex, multi-layered processes of FDA compliance and industry regulations. For more information, please visit www.GuideStarClinical.com.