TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Johnson & Johnson and two other major drugmakers say they are collaborating in a global project aimed at getting patient tests of experimental drugs up and running more quickly and efficiently.

They are each contributing to a database of doctors, hospitals and clinics vetted to participate in the complex tests needed to determine whether an experimental medicine is effective and safe.

It's an unusual partnership in an industry where drugmakers compete vigorously for patients and billions of dollars in medicine sales.

The effort could eventually mean new medicines will get approved and reach patients sooner.

Merck & Co., based in Whitehouse Station, N.J., and Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co., will be the first partners in the venture with J&J, based in New Brunswick, N.J. They're inviting others to join.