AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A new report says the more than 550 clinical trials of new medicines in Maine since 1999 support thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in federal and state taxes.

Gov. Paul LePage was joined by business and drug industry leaders at Friday’s news conference who presented the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America’s report.

The report says that more than half of the clinical trials targeted six of the most debilitating chronic diseases, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illness and stroke. The tests lead to safer and more effective treatments and help to save lives.

PhRMA CEOJohn Castellani says Maine stands out among states where testing is done because of its older population, growth in the number of drug-research businesses and its ties with Massachusetts research facilities.