New Medical Journal

Newswise — Reflecting the increasing reliance on evidence-based measures for medical decision-making, Core Medical Publishing Ltd has launched Core Evidence, the first international peer-reviewed journal to assess drugs by critically evaluating evidence on clinical effectiveness and outcomes.

"Although information on key clinical and economic outcomes is critical to today's healthcare environment, the data often are not available in a form that is useful to decision-makers," explained Paul Chrisp, PhD, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of the new journal. "Core Evidence addresses this unmet need by critically evaluating and clearly presenting the available evidence on a drug's value for appropriate use, improved patient care, and reimbursement."

Aimed at formulary decision-makers, prescribing advisors and pharmacists, practicing physicians, healthcare administrators, and outcomes groups, Core Evidence rigorously reviews the evidence behind the use of drugs in specific indications, focusing on clinical outcomes relevant to patients, prescribers, and payers. The journal reviews the emerging evidence at key stages of drug development and evaluates how it may affect a drug's place in therapy. Each review is prepared by a team experienced in medical writing, evidence-based medicine, and outcomes. The editorial process combines clearly defined drug selection criteria, evidence-based medicine techniques, and expert clinical opinion, presented in a format based on formulary requirements. It is guided by a 28-member Editorial Board consisting of internationally recognized expert clinicians and leaders in evidence-based medicine and outcomes.

"I am very impressed by the level of detail and quality of the critical appraisals in Core Evidence," said Sean D. Sullivan, PhD, Professor of Pharmacy, Public Health and Medicine, and Director of the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program at the University of Washington in Seattle, who serves on the journal's international editorial board. "I think the journal will be very useful to both clinicians and decision-makers for health plans and other payers who undertake systematic literature reviews to support formulary listing."

"Core Evidence has made a good start on addressing a need for peer review of the emerging evidence on new drugs throughout their development and use. Keeping the focus on clinically relevant outcomes, particularly those that matter to patients, is essential for proper evaluation of new drugs and their optimum use" said Professor Stephen R. Chapman, Consulting Editor for Core Evidence.

Drugs are selected for review in Core Evidence on the basis of their potential impact on patient outcomes, disease management, and healthcare priorities, and are regularly reviewed throughout their development. The first issue of Core Evidence presents reviews of:

Dasatinib: the emerging evidence of its potential in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

Aliskiren in hypertension: evidence for its potential therapeutic value

Roflumilast: the evidence for its clinical potential in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pramipexole in restless legs syndrome: an evidence-based review of its effectiveness on clinical outcomes

Sevelamer as a phosphate binder in adult hemodialysis patients: an evidence-based review of its therapeutic value

Fosphenytoin for the treatment of status epilepticus: an evidence-based assessment of its clinical and economic outcomes

Core Medical Publishing Ltd (http://www.coremedicalpublishing.com) is a new publishing company with offices in Manchester, UK and New York. The Core Evidence publishing team is led by Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Paul Chrisp, PhD. A pharmacist who earned his doctorate in pharmaceutical chemistry from Nottingham University, UK, he has a Diploma in Publishing Studies and 17 years of experience in medical publishing, including 2 years as Editor of the journal Drugs, and 8 years as Publisher and Editorial Director of Adis International's review journals, including PharmacoEconomics. Doris Peter, PhD, serves as Editor, North America. She has 6 years of experience in medical publishing as an editor and Publisher at The Medical Letter. She earned her doctorate in neuroscience, microbiology, and immunology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed her postdoctoral studies at Rockefeller University in New York City.

Core Evidence is available in print and/or online formats. For subscription information, call toll-free 866-246-3817 or email [email protected]