Big Pharma pools together to tackle emerging market woes

A host of Big Pharma firms have come together to participate in a new forum in a bid to boost patient recruitment activities in emerging markets.

Known as the Enrollment Metrix Forum , the star line-up – including Abbott, Amgen, AZ, Bayer, BMS, J&J, Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, Roche’s Genentech, Sanofi’s Genzyme, Shire, and UCB – intends to learn from the past mistakes of operating in developing industries by conducting a study in the areas.

The assessment, led by KMR Group, will look at the different approaches in Asia, Latin America, East Europe, and the Middle East and Africa and whether those approaches vary by therapy area.

It will also take into consideration how each regulatory authority operates and what is required to bring the countries into the established market.

However the forum is not simply focussed on the past – it will also consider current trends, such as what influences the recruitment strategy and performance in the regions, as well looking to the future with industry expectations.

A spokesperson for the forum also said: “The effect of different regulatory authority requirements in emerging markets will be analysed.”

Melissa Hutchens of KMR Group, said: “The Enrollment Metrix Forum realizes the role of emerging markets is one of the most important aspects currently impacting patient recruitment.

“Participants have valuable insight and are looking forward to the results of the cross industry comparison, seeing what general expectations there are in the next few years and identifying ways to improve emerging market strategy.”