BioMelbourne Network
Progressing BioIndustry
Latest News
May 22 2012.
Clinical trials are fundamentally important in achieving better health outcomes for all Australian health consumers. They improve treatment and often provide early and free access to new healthcare technologies. Yet despite the essential need for an effective clinical trial system in Australia, health consumers are still waiting for implementation of the recommendations from the Clinical Trials Action Group. This delay will impact on the quality of healthcare in Australia,’ says Ms Carol Bennett, CHF CEO.
On average it takes around 12 years and $1.4 billion to develop new medicines, with over 70% of that time and investment going into clinical trials. Since 2004, more than 4,500 clinical trials in over 30 therapeutic areas (such as oncology, mental health and cardiovascular disease) have been conducted in Australia. Every year, more than 18,000 Australians participate in clinical trials conducted in Australia.
‘The Therapeutic Goods Administration have reported that clinical trial activity in Australia fell by 34% between 2007 and 2010. There was a small recovery in 2011 but we are yet to get back to the level of clinical trials conducted in 2007,’ said Ms Bennett.
‘International clinical trials day is a chance to remind ourselves of the need for governments (including state and territory governments), academics, universities, hospitals, medical researchers, healthcare providers, industry groups and consumers to work together to create an efficient and cost effective environment for clinical trials in Australia,’ concluded Ms Bennett.
For further information contact Christian Smyth, 02 6162 7504 or 0458 269 013
