Number: RL32832
Title: Clinical Trials Reporting and Publication
Authors: Erin D. Williams, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: The central issue before Congress with respect to clinical trials reporting and publication is how to balance the potential beneficial public health effects of requiring that clinical trials data be made public with the burdens that such requirements may place on companies and their innovation. Clinical trials, which are conducted regularly to test the effects of new pharmaceuticals and medical devices, cost a significant amount of money, and by their nature may present some risk to the people who participate in them. Manufacturers as well as medical journal editors have been reluctant to publish clinical trial data indicating that products in development are harmful or ineffective. The availability of such information might save a duplication of effort and studies that harm or fail to help patients.
Pages: 37
Date: July 12, 2007