PharmaLinkFHI implements Phase Forward's Internet-based data management solution

Using the InForm solution, FHI was able to access, analyze and report clinical data, allowing for the completion of its family planning study ahead of schedule.

By Editor on Feb 27, 2001

Using the InForm solution, FHI was able to access, analyze and report clinical data, allowing for the completion of its family planning study ahead of schedule.

"The study gained a lot from the InForm system," said Hanif Nazerali, FHI Senior Research Associate. "Local data entry, combined with timely query generation and resolution cut out an activity loop that would be very cumbersome with a paper-based system. By using this Internet-based application to capture data electronically, we reduced the number of unresolved queries and secured more reliable data, earlier in the process."

The implementation the InForm solution for the study by PharmaLinkFHI enabled real-time validation of the laboratory calculations that determined the primary study outcome, and facilitated laboratory QA by the U.S.-based FHI laboratory consultant.

"PharmaLinkFHI is a highly innovative organization, using the InForm solution and the Internet to the strategic advantage of its customers," said Bruce Press, Vice President ASP Services of Phase Forward Incorporated. "With this study, PharmaLink and FHI have shown that global Internet connectivity can significantly reduce the cost of conducting international studies. We can now enable Internet data collection and management worldwide, including many locations in Asia, Africa and South America. This dramatically opens the potential for new study sites."

Phase Forward predicts the implementation of its InForm solution will enable pharmaceutical companies to bring drugs to market faster by accelerating the collection and management of high quality clinical trial data. The technology is designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the highly regulated drug approval process.

"Paradoxically, these new research sites will adopt new technologies quickly and willingly, because they have not invested heavily in conventional data management systems," said Hanif Nazerali, who is based at Family Health International headquarters in North Carolina. "As they expand, they recruit from a younger cohort who are far more comfortable and conversant with information technology than those of us in established research organizations. The challenge, as I see it, is ensuring that this new Internet-based application is available to those clinical researchers who can make a significant contribution to the health of the majority in Africa, Asia, and South America."