Ohio Ranks Best in the Midwest for Clinical Trials in Bioscience Industry; World-Class Research Capabilities and Industry Cross-Collaboration Support

Ohio ranks best in the Midwest and among the top states in the nation for the number of actively recruiting clinical trials in the bioscience industry. The nation's most comprehensive clinical trial information database, ClinicalTrials.gov, shows Ohio is home to nearly 1,600 active trials, making up 20 percent of all clinical trials conducted in the U.S.

The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), a nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, cites Ohio's world-class incubator and research facilities and the cross-collaboration between human, agriculture and industrial bioscience sectors as driving forces for the success of medical advancements and commercial success.

"Revolutionary scientific breakthroughs are being developed right now thanks to these ongoing clinical trials in Ohio," said Tony Dennis, president and CEO of BioOhio, a non-profit organization designed to build and accelerate bioscience industry, research and education in Ohio. "Ohio is the perfect environment for bioscience innovation. Ohio has a strong clinical network and natural knowledge-sharing environment. Plus in Ohio everyting you need is close to where you live, so you have the time to enjoy a balanced life."

The status of active clinical trials was recorded on May 8, 2007. Ohio outnumbered all other Midwestern states with 1,599 clinical trials. Ohio ranked sixth in the nation for number of clinical trials; California, New York, Texas, Maryland and Pennsylvania make up the top five states.

Ohio creates a unique culture of collaboration between educators, entrepreneurs and large companies through its Third Frontier Project, a $1.6 billion initiative to help catalyze connections between companies and academia.

The Third Frontier Project supports clinical capabilities, which are abundant in nationally renowned medical facilities such as the Cleveland Clinic, the Ohio State University Medical Center, Case Western Reserve and children's hospitals in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus. The initiative also helps to connect corporate partners like Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cardinal Health, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Philips Medical, and Diagnostic Hybrids with entrepreneurs to offer expertise and ensure commercialization success.

Ohio supports industry innovation and provides cost-effective business solutions to scientific challenges thanks in large part to its promotion of cross-collaboration between bioscience industries. Based on the color model established by European bioscience leaders, Ohio's strength in the Red (health), Green (agriculture) and White (industrial) industry sectors provides direct access to cutting-edge research and promotes knowledge sharing throughout the bioscience color spectrum.

"Ohio's strength in bioscience is constantly improving," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "But, what elevates Ohio over other states is that success is measured in the broader context of fulfilling life; businesses flourish, but more importantly, employees have the time to pursue their personal aspirations. Executives enjoy a unique mix of metropolitan and micropolitan cities, and are surrounded by low-cost, low-stress communities, that promote a complete work-life balance. Ohio is the state of perfect balance."

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition

The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information, visit http://www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.

SOURCE: Ohio Business Development Coalition