Biopharmaceutical research companies have conducted more than 2,900 clinical trials of new medicines since 1999 in collaboration with the state’s local research institutions, including the Clinical Research Institute in Minneapolis and Plymouth, Twin Cities Clinical Research/ Prism Clinical Research in Brooklyn Center, Prism Clinical Research in St. Paul, MAPS Applied Research Center in Edina, Minnesota Diet Research Center/Frestedt Inc. in St. Louis Park, Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic in Duluth, St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, St. Paul’s Heart Clinic in St. Paul, the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in Minneapolis and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
The trials have been aimed at a wide array of diseases and medical conditions, ranging from the most debilitating chronic diseases, including cancer, pain, heart disease, obesity and diabetes, to bothersome allergies, sinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), migraine headaches, pneumonia and rare diseases affecting small patient populations.

With so much clinical trial activity in the state, widespread public awareness of trials is a challenge which led to the formation of a unique coalition—the Minnesota Clinical Research Alliance (MCRA).

MCRA provides important clinical research education at a time when it is a challenge for biopharmaceutical and device companies and local research collaborators to recruit volunteers, and patients often don’t know about trials of new drugs.

Clinical trials in Minnesota have not only been good for patients, but also the state’s economy and the advancement of science and overall patient health care.

"Advancements in medicine would not be possible without individuals willing to volunteer their time to participate in clinical studies. The Minnesota Clinical Research Association (MCRA) is a collaboration of Minnesota based research institutions and professionals who are committed to objectively informing the general public to the benefits and risks involved in clinical research far beyond international and domestic regulations. MCRA members believe that a fully informed participant is critical to successful clinical research outcomes." --Jeff Cosgrove, President, Prism Clinical Research