Clinical trials help patients access new treatments

Developing clinical trials helps bring new treatments that benefit patients.

Vietnam has a large population and an increasingly developed healthcare system, creating a need to develop a strategic roadmap to develop clinical trials, bring new treatments, and improve research capacity...

On May 20, in Ho Chi Minh City, Pharma Group coordinated with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and other units to hold a discussion on "Promoting innovation in Vietnam through clinical trials".

Domestic and foreign reporters analyzed the current status of clinical trial research in Vietnam; outlined strategies to make Vietnam one of the top three destinations for clinical trials and research and development in ASEAN by 2030.

According to specialist doctor Phan Tan Thuan, Head of the Line Management Department, Head of the Clinical Trial Unit (CRU) of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, cancer is the leading burden in the world . Over the past 20 years, cancer diagnosis and treatment in the world have developed dramatically thanks to research on immunotherapy drugs and new generation therapies.

According to Dr. Phan Tan Thuan (holding the microphone), developing clinical trial research helps patients access new treatment methods.

PHOTO: NT

Since 2013, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital has participated in research on new generation immunotherapy drugs.

"Clinical trials help patients access new treatment methods. Our hospital is currently implementing 37 clinical trials. In addition to bringing benefits to patients, clinical trials also help doctors gain more knowledge, as well as contribute to the Ministry of Health in perfecting treatment regimens...", according to Dr. Thuan.

Dr. Le Thanh Nhan, Head of the Line Command Department, Head of the Scientific Research Unit, Children's Hospital 1, said that there are 5 clinical studies at this hospital; the research is coordinated with international units.

To conduct clinical trial research development

Dr. Thuan and Dr. Nhan both acknowledged the difficulties in conducting clinical trials in the country, including human resources, facilities, equipment, etc.

Mr. Darrell Oh, Chairman of Pharma Group, said that clinical trials are a potential area in Vietnam’s research and development. Vietnam can become a competitive clinical research destination in the region. To realize this, priority policies and initiatives are needed to attract and facilitate investment in clinical trials, especially early-stage trials.

According to Professor Guy Thwaites (Director of the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam), Vietnam can significantly enhance its clinical trial capacity by adopting international best practices. By streamlining regulatory processes, investing in advanced infrastructure, and fostering dynamic public-private partnerships, Vietnam can fully meet global standards for trial efficiency and data reliability. This strategic adjustment will not only promote innovation in treatment research but also position Vietnam to become a regional hub for advanced life-saving treatments.

Experts believe that Vietnam has the potential to become a leading center for clinical trial research in Southeast Asia. However, it is necessary to streamline evaluation and approval processes; develop a shortened process for trials approved by agencies such as the FDA (US), EMA (EU), MHRA (UK)...; invest in human resources, facilities...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nghien-cuu-thu-nghiem-lam-sang-giup-nguoi-benh-tiep-can-dieu-tri-moi-18525052017574806.htm