IBM and Phase Forward form partnership

Through the global agreement, IBM and Phase Forward will collaborate on solutions designed to automate the clinical trial process of testing and reporting on the safety and effectiveness of new drug t

By Editor on Dec 7, 2001

Through the global agreement, IBM and Phase Forward will collaborate on solutions designed to automate the clinical trial process of testing and reporting on the safety and effectiveness of new drug targets. According to research, getting a new drug to market can cost up to $500 million and take to up to 15 years. Nearly half of the time is expended on clinical trials.

According to the partnering companies, the recent agreement will couple Phase Forward's Internet-based solutions with IBM's hosting and consulting services to automate the clinical trial process, from clinicians entering patient data via a Web browser to electronic report submissions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"The entire process of bringing new drugs to the market is a study of contrasts -- while advanced technologies are being deployed for drug discovery, most clinical trials are recorded on paper," said Caroline Kovac, General Manager of IBM Life Sciences. "This is an area that is ripe for e-business. Phase Forward is the market leader in Web-based applications for clinical trials. By working together, we can bring the clinical trial process into the 21st century and enable drug makers to get needed treatments to patients faster."

In addition, IBM will provide a range of services to Phase Forward, which employs computer technology for data capture, clinical research record keeping, patient tracking and reporting. IBM will initially offer hosting and its services will be augmented as needed for global support in areas such as data security to drug companies and health care providers.

"Drug companies are spending an estimated $20 billion a year on clinical trials," said Shiv Tasker, President and CEO of Phase Forward. "Both IBM and Phase Forward share a vision of improving the future of clinical development, and we bring a wealth of experience that will translate into significant value for our customers. At the end of the day, this agreement is about improving productivity and accuracy, and getting new drugs to the market faster. IBM is a great complement to our business because of its strength in providing global, secure infrastructures to customers, superior technology, and unmatched implementation experience."