New Government investment a boost for clinical trial recruitment

The Government’s investment in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry will make it easier for patients to identify the clinical trials being conducted Australia, Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw said today.

The investment will also make it easier for researchers to recruit patients into trials.

Dr Shaw said: “Improving patient recruitment is one area where we can do more, so this announcement is good news.

“Addressing the challenges in patient recruitment is one way to help reverse the dramatic decline we have seen in the number of clinical trials being conducted in Australia.

“Between 2007 and 2010 Australia suffered a 34 per cent decline in the number of new trials.

“Australia needs to take urgent action to rectify this situation. That action includes finalising the implementation of the recommendations of the Government’s Clinical Trials Action Group.

“Yesterday’s announcement was a positive step in the right direction and is therefore welcome.

“Patients who participate in clinical trials get early, and often free, access to new treatments which aren’t widely available to the community at large.

-ENDS-

Contact Person:

Jamie Nicholson
Media Communications Manager
Phone: 0419 220 293
Email: Jamie.Nicholson@medicinesaustralia.com.au