Madison, WI (January 28, 2026) – According to a new report, biopharmaceutical research companies supported $18.3 billion dollars in economic activity in the Wisconsin. The newly released report, Research in Your Backyard; Developing Cures, Creating Jobs was the topic of discussion at a roundtable hosted by the Clinical Trials Education Network of Wisconsin, which included local researchers, patients and state Representative Karen Hurd. Attendees discussed the many ways that clinical trials benefited the state’s economy, including that the estimated total economic impact of clinical trials was $418 million.
Beyond economic growth, participants emphasized that clinical trials are the foundation of medical innovation and patient care and drive the development of new treatments while ensuring safety and effectiveness.
“Everything we do begins with clinical trials—whether it’s vaccines or immune therapies,” said Paul Radspinner, President & CEO of FluGen Inc. “They’re how we ensure patients receive the safest, most effective treatments possible.”
The conversation also highlighted the importance of keeping research investments local—particularly as Wisconsin’s population ages and demand for high-quality, evidence-based care continues to rise.
“Wisconsin’s aging population deserves access to the very best science and treatments available,” said Rob Gundermann, President & CEO of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging & Health Groups (CWAG). “By investing in clinical research here at home, we’re not only bringing cutting-edge therapies closer to patients, but we’re also strengthening our healthcare system for the future.”
Throughout the roundtable, attendees discussed opportunities to expand awareness of clinical trials, reduce barriers to participation, and ensure that patients across Wisconsin can benefit from research happening in their own communities. Participants also stressed the role policymakers can play in fostering a strong clinical research environment that supports both innovation and economic growth.
According to the new report there are currently over 400 open clinical trials in Wisconsin. Open clinical trials in the state cover a broad range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and over 200 trials for cancer. Clinical trials are often the work of public and private partnerships, and the new report highlights the many prominent institutions in Wisconsin that are hosting trials including the Marshfield Medical Center, Aspirus Research Institute in Wausau, Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin in New Richmond.
Patients interested in participating in a clinical trial can find more information on the Clinical Trials Education Network of Wisconsin website, wiclinicaltrials.com. The Research in Your Backyard report also includes contact information for Wisconsin-based patient advocacy groups who often help connect patients with clinical trials.
The Clinical Trials Education Network of Wisconsin (CTEN-WI) is made up of more than a dozen partners who are heavily involved in the clinical testing of new medicines in the state. The group focuses on defining clinical research in terms that are easily understandable for the public, elected officials, and news media in a way that educates all about the instrumental role the industry plays in health care and the economy. Learn more at wiclinicaltrials.com
