Clinical trials vital to Iowa

Conducting a clinical trial is the most time- and resource-intensive part of the research and development process, but it's worth the results. The clinical trial process is a vital step in developing a new medicine to address an unmet and costly medical need. Across the U.S., biopharmaceutical companies rely on clinical trials to connect patients to new treatments and potential cures for the most devastating diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Here in Iowa, these trials play a critical role in improving the health conditions of our residents and bring value to our economic infrastructure.

Through collaboration between the biopharmaceutical industry, health systems, research institutions and universities, clinical trials are helping to identify and develop cures for diseases that are most common among Iowa's special populations. Since 2004, 1,400 collaborative clinical trials of new medicines have occurred or are occurring to tackle the biggest health challenges for Iowans, including:

' Women and girls make up 50.4 percent of the population in Iowa. Clinical trials are connecting women to studies on medicines for breast cancer, congestive heart failure, ovarian cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

' Children under the age of 18 make up more than 23 percent of the population in Iowa. Clinical trials are being conducted for the most prevalent pediatric diseases in the state, such as, diabetes, epilepsy and cystic fibrosis.

' Iowans aged 65 and older account for more than 15 percent of the state's population. Currently, elderly residents are participating in clinical trials for treatments to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, glaucoma, heart failure, multiple myeloma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Beyond the benefits these clinical trials provide to Iowa's patients, they also serve as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. The biopharmaceutical industry is a strong source of quality jobs, tax revenue and investment in Iowa. For example, a study by Battelle Technology Partnership Practice found that in 2011, the biotechnology industry generated more than $3.4 billion in economic activity and supported more than 14,000 jobs across the state. Furthermore, wages and benefits for employees whose jobs were supported by the biopharmaceutical sector resulted in about $53 million in federal taxation and $8.5 million in state taxes.

On September 30, the Iowa Coalition of Clinical Researchers (ICCR) held a panel discussion with the Iowa Biotechnology Association and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of America at the University of Iowa BioVentures Center to highlight the number and type of clinical trials taking place throughout the state. Among the panelists, there was wide consensus that expanding clinical trials in Iowa will strengthen our economic standing and give residents access to groundbreaking new medications. Iowans deserve broader access to lifesaving treatments, and we must maintain an environment that encourages and rewards scientific innovation.

' Kay Weiler is vice president of Compleware Corporation in North Liberty. Comments: editorial@thegazette.com