Differences Between the Clinical Study Results Database And a Clinical Trials Registry There are important distinctions between a clinical study results database and a clinical trials registry, although both can be critical resources for physicians, patients and others seeking information about drug products. These two concepts often are confused, but it is important to separate them when discussing clinical trial publication and disclosure. A clinical trial registry provides patients and physicians with information about ongoing clinical trials that are open and recruiting patients. An example of a clinical trial registry is the government-sponsored database, which is accessible at www.clinicaltrials.gov. This is a central registry of trials for all serious and life-threatening diseases and conditions, operated by the National Institutes of Health. PhRMA strongly supported establishing this registry and has actively encouraged our member companies to participate. A clinical study results database is designed to improve accessibility to, and transparency of, the results of clinical studies. This electronic database is a central, standardized repository for published and unpublished clinical studies that have already been completed. This industry-sponsored registry will provide access to the results of all hypothesis-testing clinical studies of marketed drugs — regardless of outcomes. PhRMA has long led efforts to make meaningful information both about clinical studies and clinical study results more widely available, and it is committed to expanding these efforts. This is another way PhRMA members are fulfilling their commitment to communicate meaningful clinical study results.