Clinical trial access boosted
October 15, 2012
FEDERAL health minister Tanya
Plibersek has announced the
launch of a new website detailing
information about Australian
clinical trials of new drugs,
treatments and medical procedures.
The Australian Clinical Trials site
has been created in response to the
needs of consumer groups,
research institutions and the
pharmaceutical industry, with the
aim of informing people who are
interested in participating in a trial
to access relevant information
more easily.
“Clinical trials give tens of
thousands of patients access to
new and innovative treatments and
play a vital part in the fight against
disease,” Plibersek said.
The site’s launch has also been
backed by the Consumers Health
Forum of Australia, with CHA ceo
Carol Bennett saying that consumer
engagement in clinical trials is the
basis of ensuring that new
medications and treatments meet
expectations.
“Consumers have a real interest
in participating in these trials, but
need access to appropriate
resources not only for themselves
and their carers, but for their
regular health professional, that
can assist them in making informed
decisions and understanding their
rights,” Bennett said.
Minister for Innovation and
Industry, Greg Combet, said the site
would hopefully lead to higher
participation rates in clinical trials.
“The clinical research sector
employs many highly skilled
Australians and ensures Australiandeveloped
therapies and
technologies become
commercialised,” he added.
And Medicines Australia ceo
Brendan Shaw hailed the
announcement, saying that
“improving patient recruitment is
one area where we can do more to
boost clinical trial investment in
Australia”.
The site, which was created by
the National Health and Medical
Research Council, is now online at
australianclinicaltrials.gov.au.
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