The National Library of Medicine's ClinicalTrials.gov has been named one of 15 finalists for the highly esteemed Innovations in American Government Award, a program of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. The award is administered in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government. ClinicalTrials.gov is now eligible to win $100,000 in what is often referred to as "the Oscars" of government award programs.

Created in February 2000, the site gives patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses centralized information on clinical trials, including location, design, purpose and criteria for participation. The site offers general information on clinical trials, a glossary of common terms, and a list of frequently-asked questions. The site even includes technology that offers a variety of spelling choices when a user enters information incorrectly.

"ClinicalTrials.gov is a true pioneer in the area of health care research. Before its creation, patients had to rely on their health care providers to learn about trials, or they had to have a connection within the National Institutes of Health," said Gowher Rizvi, Director of the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. "With this program, people are getting the information they need right when they need it. The information is empowering for patients and their loved ones."

Traffic on the site is testament to its value. Since its inception, the site has logged more than 75 million hits. During the last two years of operation, visits to the site have doubled from 7,130 to 16,055. In February 2000, ClinicalTrials.gov included about 4,400 trials. By October 2002, there were 6,563 trials in the system. One year later, the system included 8,800 trials - proof that the site is fulfilling a growing and valuable need.

"Facing a life-threatening disease is confusing as it is," said Patricia McGinnis, President and CEO of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Council for Excellence in Government. "ClinicalTrials.gov helps patients and families face very difficult health situations armed with the very best information. This program is a true leader."

ClinicalTrials.gov was one of nearly 1,000 applicants for the 2004 Innovations in American Government Award. Each of the 15 finalists will deliver a public presentation before the National Selection Committee at Harvard University on May 12, 2004.