A Thomson Centerwatch poll of clinical sites found that Kendle International is the highest-rated contract research organization (CRO). Kendle was rated a top-three CRO on 26 of the 29 individual survey attributes—more times than any other CRO included in the survey and 63% more frequently than the next highest CRO. Site investigators ranked Kendle as the leader on three out of the four CRO attributes rated as most important to study success. CenterWatch conducted the survey of 522 investigative sites in the U.S. between January and March 2007.

Parexel is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Chairman and CEO Josef von Rickenbach will ring the opening bell at the NASDAQ Stock Market today, June 6, 2007. Says Rickenbach: “Over the past 25 years we have continued this focus, and have developed a broad portfolio of sophisticated services and technologies for our clients. From very large pharmaceutical companies to virtual biotechs, clients today rely on Parexel as a proven partner to provide the expertise, technology, and global reach to speed their products to market.”

Ann Kottcamp, former CEO of Pharmaceutical Research Plus, is launching Argonauta Communications, a new patient recruitment and direct marketing company based in Maryland. Kottcamp has more than eleven years in clinical trial recruitment. The company will offer clinical trial recruitment and direct marketing services but with an enhanced approach she is calling “Message, Method, Mix.” A major goal of the company is to focus on diversity initiatives. Ms. Kottcamp feels that “by utilizing seasoned veterans to execute our new vision, Argonauta Communications is uniquely positioned to provide the best of both worlds: longevity in the industry and a new vision. You have a disciplined and cohesive team that has witnessed the evolution of the industry and recognizes the importance of showing return on investment and value.” For more information, visit the company’s website.

Veeda Clinical Research is a two-year-old Anglo-Indian CRO. It’s made two deals in a short period: with Germany’s Novamed Pharmaceuticals and India’s Advinus.

In another example of clinical trial data leakage, Barron’s has a story about Abbott Laboratories and its drug TriCor. The story notes a simmering debate about whether the $1.2 billion cardiovascular product causes kidney damage. Some of the controversy dates back years. More recently, however, the Cleveland Clinic’s Steven Nissen has grown worried about TriCor. One issue: statistical revisions to earlier study data that show less efficacy. 

The drug safety debate continues to be politicized. The Boston Globe has a story about a blogger attacking the Cleveland Clinic’s Steven Nissen. The story notes that many conservatives believe Nissen is actively campaigning for the top job at the FDA should a Democrat win the White House in 2008. Nissen denies any such aspirations. One of Nissen’s most prominent detractors, Robert Goldberg of DrugWonks, is quoted saying that Nissen is “most aggressive in promoting himself.” The story notes that an FDA official has made sniping remarks about Nissen, referring to him as “St. Steven.” The discussion has not yet dropped to the level of red pills for conservatives and blue pills for liberals, but give it a few years.

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