Just as the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow worldwide, the amount of information – and misinformation – available online is increasing to overwhelming proportions. In an effort to provide an up-to-the-minute source of credible clinical trial information, TrialScope has launched CoronaClinicalTrials.com.
The website automatically syncs clinical trial information from ClinicalTrials.gov, the national registry of clinical trials. Established by the United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, it houses the largest database of clinical trials.
CoronaClinicalTrials.com features a robust search engine, powered by TrialScope technology that enables site visitors to search for COVID-19 clinical trials by keyword or location. An advanced search function offers additional filters: distance, study status, study phase, as well as age and gender requirements for participants.
“Utilizing the TrialScope Engage platform to streamline the information and the clinical options available to COVID-19 patients was our small part in response to this global pandemic,” said Christina Masturzo, Director of Product Management at TrialScope. “Any diagnosis can be frightening, and the challenge of finding research options often compounds that fear. It was important to me that we think about these patients and provide them with helpful resources to learn more and locate clinical trials available to them.”
To that end, the website distills the clinical trial data to focus on the most important information that can help patients and the public find relevant trials, with an interactive map that allows visitors to pinpoint nearby study locations. The detail page of each study includes a “Contact Us” button for quick and easy access to the research study.
“Because we work to make clinical trial data publicly available on a daily basis, our team could not sit by idly during this health crisis,” said TrialScope CEO Jeff Kozloff. “We felt we had an obligation to make COVID-19 clinical trial information easily accessible to both healthcare professionals and the public. We plan to include additional information and resources as they become available. At TrialScope, we are passionate about disclosure of clinical trial information. Coronaclinicaltrials.com is a reflection of our commitment to data sharing and transparency.
“I want to thank our incredible staff, all working remotely, for working nonstop over the past week to launch this website quickly. More importantly, I want to recognize all the researchers, healthcare professionals and first responders working diligently and the brave clinical trial participants volunteering to stop this pandemic.”
In addition to information on the coronavirus, the website also educates the public on clinical trials. In order to combat the coronavirus, a vaccine and treatments are needed. And these require clinical trials to prove efficacy and safety. Now, more than ever, it is important to build awareness of clinical trials and make them easier to access. Educational resources and advocacy services are provided for patients and the public by the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization.
