The Singapore Clinical Research Institute (SCRI) has launched ClinicalTrials.SG, a centralised clinical trials portal. This initiative aims to enhance the nation’s clinical research ecosystem and improve patient health outcomes.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat officiated the launch, marking a significant milestone for research through clinical trials in Singapore.
Accessible Clinical Trials Information
ClinicalTrials.SG is designed to be a comprehensive resource for patients, caregivers, and clinical research professionals. For patients and caregivers, the portal demystifies clinical trials, explaining their importance and processes. It offers a user-friendly search engine to find trials based on specific health conditions, making participation in clinical research more accessible.
Empowering Clinical Research Professionals
For clinical researchers, the portal accelerates collaboration opportunities. It provides detailed information on ongoing trials, regulatory requirements, and ethics guidelines. The portal also serves as a hub for collaboration, linking researchers with academic and industry partners. Additionally, it includes information on available research grants, training opportunities, and a directory of clinical research resources such as Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
ClinicalTrials.SG features a biorepository resource, a consolidated database of local and overseas specimens and imaging data. This resource is tailored for cardiovascular and oncology research, enhancing research efficiency and facilitating robust clinical studies.
The portal’s easy-to-use search engine allows users to search for clinical trials quickly and efficiently. This feature is particularly beneficial for clinical investigators and trial sponsors, helping them find relevant data and trials with ease.
Clinical Trials Symposium
The launch coincided with the SCRI Clinical Trials Symposium 2024, themed “The Promise of Clinical Trials: Transforming Tomorrow’s Health.” This two-day symposium brought together 500 clinicians, researchers, academics, and industry experts from both the public and private sectors. The event featured sessions on patient advocacy, community involvement in clinical research, and the role of such trials in improving health outcomes.
Patient Advocacy and Economic Benefits
Patient advocacy is becoming increasingly vital in clinical research. This is because patient perspectives shape trial design and implementation, enhancing research relevance and effectiveness. Local clinical trials offer early access to innovative therapies, benefiting patients and generating economic value by attracting investments in biomedical sciences and creating job opportunities.
Research Outcomes and Improved Care
Research outcomes from clinical trials inform clinicians and health systems on effective strategies for diseases like cancer and infectious diseases. These outcomes lead to evidence-based guidelines, improving patient care. The data collected from clinical trials helps shape clinical practices and treatment standards, resulting in better health outcomes.
Statements from Key Figures
Adj A/Prof Danny Soon, CEO of the Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore (CRIS), and Executive Director of SCRI, highlighted the importance of making clinical trial information accessible. He said, “By making clinical trial information more accessible and easier to understand, we hope to encourage greater awareness of clinical trials among the public and enhance collaboration for clinical research professionals.”
Prof John Lim, Chairman of CRIS, emphasised SCRI’s commitment to supporting clinical research competencies within Singapore. He stated, “The launch of ClinicalTrials.SG is a welcome development for the clinical research ecosystem and is testament of SCRI’s deep-seated mission to advance clinical research towards improved health outcomes for our patients in Singapore.”
Conclusion
ClinicalTrials.SG represents a significant step forward in Singapore’s clinical research landscape. The portal makes clinical trials more accessible and fosters collaboration, driving innovation and improving health outcomes for patients. This initiative underscores Singapore’s commitment to advancing medical research and enhancing healthcare for all.
Photo credit: the Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore
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