ABSTRACT
Over the past two-and-a-half decades, clinical studies have been expanding to more and more nations worldwide, with less than half of new pharmaceutical research and development happening in the US. What are these major sponsor companies, the bulk of which are based in the US and Western Europe, looking for? And why do they continue to tap new countries, despite potential start-up expenses, logistical nightmares and the list of unknowns that come with each new region?
