Clinical Investigators Role in New Drug Adoption
IMS data show the importance of the role clinical investigators play in prescribing.
IMS data show the importance of the role clinical investigators play in prescribing.
Clinical investigators play two important roles in the new drug process. They are integral parts of the creation of medical innovation. As researchers, these physicians participate in the clinical trials that generate the medical data used by regulatory authorities to evaluate the efficacy and safety of compounds, which may become marketed drugs. Clinical investigators are also important in the adoption of medical innovation. IMS prescribing data show that clinical investigators who have participated in the clinical trial of a new compound were more likely to prescribe that drug when, and if, it came to market than were a matched set of physicians who had never acted as clinical trial investigators.
The difference in prescribing levels is immediate and sustained over the 18 months from the date of the first recorded filled prescription that the analysis covered. Interestingly, the more innovative the drug, the greater the difference between the investigators and the control physicians.
Few clinical investigators are world famous medical authorities. Most are practicing physicians, seeing patients on a regular basis. These investigators act as a type of local opinion leader, influencing the other physicians with whom the investigators come into contract. Extensive research has demonstrated that the number one factor influencing a physician’s decision to prescribe a new drug for the first time is the opinion of another respected physician. Many clinical investigators may play this role of a respected physician and may be viewed by other doctors as important medical information resources about the newly marketed drug.
Average Market Share for New Drug
3, 6 and 18 Months After Market Launch
Source: Department of Health Policy and Public Policy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, using IMS Health data.
FDA Approves Nipocalimab for the Treatment of Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
April 30th 2025Approval is based on results from the pivotal Vivacity-MG3 trial in which IMAAVY (nipocalimab-aahu) demonstrated superior disease control throughout 24 weeks when compared to placebo plus standard of care.
Improving Relationships and Diversifying the Site Selection Process
April 17th 2025In this episode of the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast, Liz Beatty, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Inato, discusses a number of topics around site engagement including community-based sites, the role of technology in improving site/sponsor relationships, how increased operational costs are impacting the industry, and more.
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.
