NOVARTIS Malaysia and Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) have achieved a new collaborative milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to make Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) a preferred clinical trial site to conduct Novartis-sponsored trials in the country.
This MOU builds on SGH’s accreditation in 2019 under the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency Phase 1 Unit Inspection & Accreditation Programme enabling it to conduct such early phase studies.
As a centre of excellence for clinical trials, SGH would now be able to provide patients access to innovative therapies and treatments that may be beyond reach.
During the trial, they will be closely monitored by a team of healthcare professionals. If the patient responds well to the treatment, it will enable them to lead a better quality of life.
Furthermore, having this facility in Sarawak will attract more specialists and talents to the state, which will address the health equality gap in East Malaysia.
Additionally, the signing of this MOU will potentially contribute to the country’s economic growth, create new skilled employment opportunities in life sciences, and attract other investments in clinical studies.
With the increased number of studies taking place in Malaysia, this, in turn, will propel the country to gain a reputation as a leading regional hub for clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry.
“As part of our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives, Novartis Malaysia has been supportive in strengthening the country’s health care, particularly in the area of clinical research and trials,” said Novartis Malaysia country president Elwakil Mohamed.
“In 2020, we invested in 38 clinical trials (CT) in cardio-metabolic, respiratory, breast cancer and ophthalmology and about 194 local patients were enrolled in these CTs.
“Between 2015 and 2021, Novartis brought in 68 sponsored research, thus making it the top contributor of clinical trials by a multinational pharmaceutical company in the country and as a valuable partner to the Ministry of Health.”
According to Elwakil, the partnership with CRM is a crucial milestone for Novartis Malaysia in increasing the company’s research footprint in Malaysia.
“This partnership with CRM, on behalf of SGH, will create a platform to enhance local capabilities, improve clinical trial quality, and increase access to transformative treatment in the country,” he added.
Meanwhile Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in his keynote address noted that with the infusion of this early phase of the clinical trial in the country, Malaysians will be able to access innovative therapies and treatments that may have been beyond reach.
“Through this MOU, SGH will now become the preferred site and the centre of excellence in Malaysia. From a talent and value perspective, it will attract more specialists and talents to the state, which can contribute to its economy and address unmet needs.” – Sept 7, 2022
