Biopharmaceutical research companies are conducting or have conducted more than 4,700 clinical trials of new medicines in collaboration with the state’s university medical schools, clinical research centers and hospitals (1999 to present).

Of the more than 4,700 clinical trials, 2,483 target the nation’s six most debilitating chronic diseases— asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illnesses and stroke.

"Clinical research in central Massachusetts allows our researchers to be involved in the development of important new medicines for patients. Clinical trials of new medications conducted by biopharmaceutical research companies in collaboration with our research institutions have allowed talented clinicians at facilities in the Worcester area to be engaged in cutting-edge biopharmaceutical science. Treatment trials that target cancer, heart disease and stroke are among the trials being conducted in our area and that has benefited such institutions as the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Reliant Medical Group at Worcester Medical Center and Saint Vincent Hospital" --Tim Murray, President and CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce