Australian clinical trials decreasing despite Phase I rise

New figures on the number of clinical trials demonstrate that reforms to improve the regulation of clinical trials are more important than ever, according to trade body Medicines Australia.

Figures from the Therapeutic Goods Administration show that the number of clinical trials commenced in Australia fell by 10% in 2013. Since 2007 the number of new clinical trials conducted has fallen by 21%.

However, Phase I clinical trials conducted in Australia increased by more than 40% in 2013, compared to 2012. However, overall activity was down. The TGA’s latest Half-Yearly Performance Report shows 681 new pharmaceutical clinical trials were begun in Australia in 2013, down from 759 trials in 2012 – a fall of 10%. Last year the McKeon Review of Health and Medical Research called for clinical trial reform to be made an ‘urgent national priority’ and in May this year, the Federal Government committed A$10 million ($9.3 million) to progress key reforms.