Coalition’s policy on clinical trial reform big step forward

Medicines Australia today welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to accelerate the implementation of reforms to make Australia a more competitive destination for global clinical trial investment.

“I welcome the Coalition’s announcement last night that, if elected, it would move swiftly towards a nationally consistent approach to the way clinical trials are overseen and conducted in Australia,” Dr Shaw said.

“The commitments by the Opposition Leader and the Shadow Health Minister on these reforms are to be congratulated.”

“Earlier this year, the McKeon Review of Health and Medical research called for clinical trial reform to be made an ‘urgent national priority’. Medicines Australia shares this view.”

The Federal Government committed in 2011 to implement all the recommendations from the Clinical Trials Action Group, which was established by the Government to arrest the decline in clinical trial activity in Australia.

“The Government’s commitment of $10 million in February made by both the Health Minister and Industries Minster to expedite clinical trial reforms was very welcome.”

“The Coalition’s announcement last night that it will expedite clinical trial regulatory reform measures means we have bipartisan political support to implement these important reforms.”

“Clinical trials are important not only for the massive investment they bring to Australia, but also for the role they play in improving Australia’s healthcare system. For instance, they deliver early and often free access to new healthcare technologies, which saves Australian taxpayers an estimated $100 million each year in hospital and PBS costs.

Patients also directly benefit by having clinical trials in Australia by getting early access to new therapies.”

“Australia is recognised globally as having some of the best scientists and research infrastructure in the world. Despite this, the number of clinical trials conducted here has declined by over 30% since 2007.”

“Australia faces fierce competition for clinical trial investment, but regulatory inefficiencies and extraordinarily high costs make it even harder to attract that investment here.”

“The commitments by the Coalition are great news and come on the back of the Government’s commitment to implement these important reforms,” Dr Shaw said.

-ENDS-

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