Medical Science Liaisons Aim to Support Investigator Initiated Trials

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Three quarters of pharmaceutical companies use medical science liaisons (MSLs) to support investigator initiated trials (IITs) following the launch of new drugs, according to a new study by Cutting Edge Information.

“MSL Activities and Performance Measurement: Harnessing KOL Relationships for Optimal Clinical Support”

Companies have increasingly hired MSLs to work directly with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and clinical investigators who are interested in running their own trials. The study, “MSL Activities and Performance Measurement: Harnessing KOL Relationships for Optimal Clinical Support,” discovered that part of the IIT process depends on the company’s KOL outreach initiatives. Following a launch, companies that proactively build KOL relationships were equally likely to involve MSLs in the investigator initiated trial process compared to more reactive organizations. But the companies with proactive KOL outreach strategy were actually less likely to support IIT initiatives prior to launch.

Pharmaceutical companies reported spending 6% to 7% of a liaison’s time, on average, to support IIT initiatives throughout the launch process. Despite this small percentage of time spent on the activity, the majority of all IIT proposals entering the company come through MSLs—especially at Top 20 and Top 50 companies. Cutting Edge Information’s study found that drug companies’ efforts to create direct paths for IIT proposal submissions also helps investigators navigate the process.

“Having MSLs helping investigators steer through the IIT proposal process gives KOLs a higher likelihood of acceptance by the pharmaceutical or medical device company,” said Elio Evangelista, director of operations at Cutting Edge Information. “MSLs are already tasked to initiate scientific discussions with thought leaders, and the investigator’s idea for a new trial is a typical point of discussion.”

“MSL Activities and Performance Measurement: Harnessing KOL Relationships for Optimal Clinical Support” (http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/research/medical-affairs/msl-medical-science-liaisons/) examines MSL teams at top life sciences companies. It is designed to help MSL teams: