BT launches global pharms extranet

NEWS BT has launched an initiative it claims will reduce the cost and speed up the process of pharmaceutical research through the use of Internet technology. The service provides a secure extranet for all parties involved in a clinical trial, allowing them to share resources and streamline administrative processes. The international extranet will give pharmaceutical companies the benefit of a wide range of experience. BT claims the service will accelerate the development of news drugs and could offer savings of up to £30m per year for each pharmaceutical company involved in the scheme.