Funding multinational investigator-initiated clinical studies in Europe: why and how?

Investigator-initiated clinical studies (IICSs), also referred to as non-commercial, academic or independent clinical studies, address important research questions that are usually neglected by industry despite their high societal value. Indeed, industry may direct their focus and resources on studies that will yield results and products that can ultimately generate revenue for the company. Conversely, IICS research questions include (a) refining or getting new indications of available treatments (drug repurposing); (b) optimisation, by comparing various health products or treatment regimens; and (c) innovation, especially for advanced therapies.

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline on screening for subclinical atrial fibrillation after stroke or transient ischaemic attack of undetermined origin.

We aimed to provide practical recommendations for the screening of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) of undetermined origin. These guidelines are based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Five relevant Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions were defined by a multidisciplinary module working group (MWG).

European Stroke Organisation guidelines on treatment of patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease.

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation guideline is to provide clinically useful evidence-based recommendations on the management of patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). The guidelines were prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure of the European Stroke Organisation guidelines and according to GRADE methodology. ICAD represents a major cause of ischemic stroke worldwide, and patients affected by this condition are exposed to a high risk for future strokes and other major cardiovascular events, despite best medical therapy available.

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) occur in around 3% of the population. Important management questions concern if and how to perform preventive UIA occlusion; if, how and when to perform follow up imaging and non-interventional means to reduce the risk of rupture. Using the Standard Operational Procedure of ESO we prepared guidelines according to GRADE methodology.