AusBiotech, MA and MTAA come together to support clinical trials during COVID-19

In support of the clinical trials sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, a position statement has been developed by the Research and Development TaskForce (RDTF), sponsored by AusBiotech, Medicines Australia (MA), and the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), together with respective memberships.

This position statement details specific guidance on how and why clinical trial sites should remain open during the COVID-19 healthy emergency. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds in Australia, additional strategies will need to be implemented to ensure that the safety, well-being and ongoing conduct of clinical trials are maintained, with as little interruption and inconvenience to the participant as possible.

Lorraine Chiroiu, CEO, AusBiotech said “The wide uncertainty being felt across the sector is driving innovation and collaboration further. AusBiotech is working together with industry partners to identify practical solutions to support clinical trial, as all parties work to mitigate the effects on clinical trial patients until the COVID-19 situation eases.”

Ian Burgess, CEO, MTAA, told Health Industry Hub “Clinical trials are a key element in the global fight against COVID-19 and it is a priority for us to support the ongoing and safe operations of this critical component of the life sciences sector.”

A flexible and supportive clinical trials environment should ensure that Australian patients are best placed to receive early access to experimental vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, and other innovative treatments, that they would otherwise not have access to.

The RDTF has formed a COVID-19 Working Group to support the clinical trials sector as the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic are felt around the nation. The Working Group will look at all aspects of clinical trial delivery with the intent of ensuring that trial participants and trial sites are supported.

Clinical trials remain critical in the path to bringing innovative drugs, vaccines and therapies to patients in Australia in a safe and regulated manner. Australia has well-developed and highly-regarded early phase clinical trial facilities, and other trial centres and expertise to conduct clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment and prevention.

The safety of patients and clinical trial staff employees is at the forefront of the RDTF’s minds, and the unrelenting efforts of scientists, physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare workers during the course of this pandemic is inspiring.

Australia is not only a world leader in life sciences research and development, but resilient in the face of any health and economic crisis; industry is strongly supportive of the clinical trial sector through these unprecedented times.