STAT+: A key European clinical trial registry lacks complete and timely results, an analysis finds

STAT PlusPharmalot A key European clinical trial registry lacks complete and timely results, an analysis finds Researchers contended overall compliance with legal reporting requirements was weak and regulatory oversight is lacking Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 15, 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. Amid ongoing concern about clinical trial transparency, a new analysis found that 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%. While the quality of the registration data was high overall — more than 99% of expected data was found in the 234 clinical trials for which results were supposed to have been disclosed — the researchers contended that overall compliance with legal reporting requirements was weak and regulatory oversight is lacking.Advertisement European Union and member state regulators “have so far not delivered the promised ‘high levels of transparency never seen before for clinical trials,’” the authors wrote in their analysis. It was recently posted on the medRxiv preprint server, which displays unpublished research that has not yet been peer reviewed. 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 biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, public health, 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 From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot June 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Pfizer’s emergency penicillin program, a Sanofi diabetes drug, and more Pharmalot June 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Advertisement Pharmalot June 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a discontinued cancer drug, a Novo security breach, and more Pharmalot June 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about employer coverage of obesity drugs, another Sanofi setback, and more Pharmalot June 10, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about U.S. pressure on European drug prices, longer shortages, and more Subscriber Picks