Dr Andrew Brockway at AusBiotech 2024

Earlier this month, Doherty Clinical Trials CEO Dr Andrew Brockway was invited to speak as part of Australia's largest biotech conference, AusBiotech.

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Held annually, the conference brings together local and international experts from the life sciences and biotechnology sectors to explore what's possible across biotechnology, medical devices and agri-tech to heal and feed the world

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Dr Brockway presented on a panel discussing 'Clinical Trials in Australia: Performance, competitive advantages, challenges and evolving policy', with fellow panelists representing industry (GSK), Clinical Trials Policy Section for the Dept of Health and Aged Care, and NSW Ministry of Health.

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With biotechnology and emerging biopharmaceutical companies representing an important and high-growth segment of Australia's clinical trial landscape, analysis of Australian and international clinical trials reveals the resilience of Australia's clinical trial sector in the context of a reduction in clinical trial activity following the COVID-19 peak in 2020/21, and highlights areas of competitive strength for Australia, but also notes emerging capacity constraints and opportunities to address them.

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The panel explored the strengths and key challenges facing sites and sponsors in Australia, and the evolving policy approaches to strengthen the sector. With discussions focusing on current data on global and local clinical trials trends and how Australia can remain competitive in attracting both early and late phase clinical trials, Dr Brockway spoke about how we at Doherty Clinical Trials are adopting the latest technologies and tools to ensure that we remain at the forefront in this space and continue our successful track record in attracting sponsors for early phase studies. Highlighting how we are able to adapt to new industry trends and sponsor requirements, Dr Brockway singled out the use of digital recruitment tools, analytics to track engagements and ensuring recruitment targets are met while delivering high quality data as just some of Doherty Clinical Trials' strengths.

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"As a country, it is important to ensure that phase 3 studies are also using such tools and technologies to ensure that patients (not just healthy volunteers) are able to access novel potential medicines."

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From a policy perspective, the federal government is looking to implement a new initiative, the "National One Stop Shop", designed to streamline clinical trial activities in Australia to ensure we remain competitive globally.

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During the panel discussion, the need to ensure this initiative does not add layers of bureaucracy or slow down current standards was discussed, as well as support required across the clinical trial sector to upskill all members of Australia's clinical trial workforce. The panel aligned on the need to ensure appropriate metrics to track progress and ensure that Australia continues to grow and evolve the clinical trial sector, from first in human through to completion of phase 3 studies.

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We look forward to seeing how this progresses and welcome further discussion on the implications for the clinical trial space.

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