PRIMARY RESEARCH PLATFORMS & WORKING GROUPS
Tufts CSDD has a very robust annual research agenda. We typically conduct 15 to 20 new grant-funded studies across four primary research platforms: overall drug development performance and economics; clinical trial design and execution; clinical research manufacturing and logistics; and medical and regulatory affairs. These studies are typically funded by individual sponsors or multiple sponsors participating as part of a working group.
DIAGNOSTIC & OPTIMIZATION SERVICES
Organizations also provide funding for Tufts CSDD to perform benchmark, return on investment (ROI) and expected net present value (ENPV) assessments, and listening sessions among clinical research professionals.
LONGITUDINAL STUDIES
Every five to seven years, Tufts CSDD conducts seminal longitudinal studies to monitor and update trends in drug development landscape, practices, and economics. These longitudinal studies are typically funded by general donations and support.
RESEARCH GRANTS & CENTER SPONSORS
Research grant funding and sponsorship support comes from a variety of sources including government agencies, foundations, disease advocacy groups, universities, pharmaceutical companies, research services providers, and trade associations. Although organizations providing grant funding and sponsorship may suggest topics for investigation, the Tufts CSDD research agenda is set independently by the center director and the faculty. The results of all research conducted by Tufts CSDD must be published in peer-reviewed and trade journals. In any given year, approximately 55% of Tufts CSDD’s operating expenses are supported by grants from the private sector and 45% from the public sector.
DATABASES & SURVEYS
Tufts CSDD maintains proprietary databases that provide granular historical information characterizing drug development program-level and clinical trial planning and execution-level activity. Through regular surveys and other primary research, Tufts CSDD obtains data on drugs and biologics that have entered human testing worldwide for the first time, as well as those that have received approval for marketing in the U.S. and abroad.
PUBLICATION LIBRARY & RESEARCH FINDINGS
Tufts CSDD authors and publishes reports and white papers providing essential data, rigorous analysis, and meaningful and actionable insights. Our publications are widely read and frequently cited in the trade and popular press. In addition to published reports and white papers, the Tufts CSDD research team publishes 15 to 20 manuscripts and articles in peer-review and trade journals each year. A bibliography of Tufts CSDD research team publications is available through the website.