Working in collaboration with Florida clinicians and research institutions, America’s biopharmaceutical research companies have conducted more than 7,800 clinical trials of new medicines in Florida over the last 14 years, according to a new report by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

The new report, Research in Your Backyard:  Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials in Florida, said these trials have benefited thousands of Floridian patients, the state’s economy and the advancement of science and patient care. 

“Today’s findings in the report underscore the importance of our efforts to ensure that the state has a strong research infrastructure,” said Nancy Bryan, president and chief executive officer of BioFlorida. “Policymakers and legislators in the state understand the necessity of a strong biopharmaceutical presence to patients and the economy.”

Nearly half of the clinical trials of new medicines have been aimed at chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, asthma and mental illnesses. Nearly 700 of those trials are still active and recruiting patients.

The report also details how the biopharmaceutical sector is boosting Florida employment and the state’s economy. Nearly 84,000 jobs were sector-supported in the state in 2011, including 22,438 workers employed directly by biopharmaceutical companies. Direct biopharmaceutical wages and benefits resulted in about $1.6 billion in 2011 compensation, generating more than $276 million in tax money for the state and federal governments.