STAT+: European regulators take steps to bolster clinical trial transparency

STAT PlusPharmalot European regulators take steps to bolster clinical trial transparency A recent analysis found results for less than half of studies registered in a key database were reported on a timely basis Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 23, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. In a boost for greater clinical trial transparency, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is taking what consumer advocacy groups are calling unexpectedly “rapid action” to ensure that study results are made public as required by law. The move comes after a recent analysis found results for less than half of the studies registered in a key European database were reported within the required time frame and complete results were fully reported for only 42%. The researchers contended that overall compliance with legal reporting requirements was weak and regulatory oversight is lacking.Advertisement This was the first analysis to examine the Clinical Trial Information System (CTIS) that was created in 2022 as part of an effort to enhance transparency across the European Union and the European Economic Area. The registry contains more than 8,400 mid- and late-stage trials and, in the coming months and years, sponsors will be legally required to make results public. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Clinical trials, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, public health, research, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Lilly obesity drug data, a push for FDA to ban DTC ads, and more Pharmalot July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA is urged by advocacy group to ban DTC prescription drug ads Advertisement Pharmalot July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Trump’s plan for tariffs on generics, a Merck and Gilead HIV pill, and more Pharmalot July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Novo suing Lilly over ‘deceptive’ ads, a fugitive’s secret life in biotech, and more Pharmalot July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over GLP-1 drug ads it calls ‘deceptive’ Subscriber Picks