Table 1 KPIs monitored and explanations of variables used

CTC assessment (days)

Difference between date of completion of documentation and economic and scientific evaluation and date of receipt of trials’ documentation

Pre EC time (days)

Difference between date of ethics committee meeting and date of transmission of trials’ dossier

ECS ethical approval (days)

Difference between date of issuance of approval minutes and date of ethics committee meeting

AC administrative authorization (days)

Difference between date of authorization by the AO AL and date of issuance of approval minutes

AC agreement finalization (days)

Difference between date of last signing of the agreement and date of start of agreement negotiation