Roche is phasing in Medidata Rave across its five therapeutic areas, oncology, inflammation, virology, metabolism and central nervous system, with the software initially used in early-stage trials.
Eventually Roche will use the software in all phases of development, a move which Tarek Sherif, CEO of Medidata, believes is indicative of what companies want from electronic data capture (EDC).
Sherif explained: “Roche’s enterprise-level investment in Medidata Rave as the foundation of its global drug development process is further proof that sponsors are looking for EDC solutions that not only offer access to data that will drive critical clinical research decisions across all phases, but also provide key efficiencies for all members of the research team.”
Medidata Rave, which was recently opened up for increased integration of other companies’ software, is designed to allow people involved in a clinical trial to collaborate and provide a single platform for use across multiple studies.
IPO raises $88.2m
In a busy week for initial public offerings (IPO) Medidata surpassed predictions and raised $88.2m (€62.6m). The successful IPO was followed by a 21.4 per cent rise in share price on the first day of trading.
Medidata was one of three companies to file an IPO in the US last week, making it the busiest period since April 2008. In further evidence that the economy may be improving China has lifted its ban on IPOs. Guilin Sanjin Pharmaceutical became China’s first IPO in nine months.
Roche goes BIO
Prior to the deal with Medidata media reports suggested that Roche is pulling out of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
US publication Star Ledger reported that Roche was severing ties with PhRMA and joining the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).
A spokesman told the publication that: “BIO's purpose is closely aligned with the direction of the new company and, therefore, can represent the company's interest in Washington.”
In a similar move the UK’s Financial Times reported that Roche will not renew its membership with ABPI. Roche has stated it will continue to conform to ABPI’s guidelines but will not remain a member of the organisation it was suspended from until earlier this year.