AstraZeneca seeks wider PH clinical trial network
MANILA, Philippines — Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is expanding its clinical trial footprint in the Philippines by tapping the Ayala Group’s health-care arm to identify and prepare additional hospitals where it can conduct research and test potential new treatments.
Under a new partnership, the British-Swedish drugmaker will work with AC Health and its Healthway Medical Network to build clinical trial capabilities across the hospital group, even those outside the traditional trial centers.
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It seeks to build on AstraZeneca’s more than 30 ongoing clinical trials in the Philippines, where it has invested over P3 billion in clinical research over the past six years.
These studies span oncology, respiratory and immunology, as well as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases.
“By bringing safe, high-quality clinical trials closer to Filipino communities, AstraZeneca’s partnership with AC Health can expand patient access, strengthen local research, and improve standards of care,” AstraZeneca country president for the Philippines Lotis Ramin said in a statement.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the AC Health-owned Healthway will assess the infrastructure, clinical capabilities and readiness of institutions across its network and identify potential trial sites and investigators.
Healthway operates full-service and specialty hospitals, clinics and ambulatory centers nationwide, including Healthway Cancer Care Hospital.
AstraZeneca, meanwhile, will provide technical expertise and training, help prepare sites for accreditation and match potential clinical studies with the capabilities of participating facilities.
Any new clinical studies or trials will still have to meet scientific, ethical, regulatory and feasibility requirements, the companies said.
AC Health chief strategy and investment officer RJ Recio said the partnership would allow the group to develop capabilities needed for its hospitals and doctors to participate directly in clinical research.
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“AstraZeneca brings strong clinical research expertise, while AC Health brings the network of hospitals, doctors, and healthcare professionals who can help bring these opportunities closer to Filipino patients,” Recio said.
The tie-up marks AstraZeneca Philippines’ first partnership with an integrated hospital network focused on strengthening clinical trial infrastructure. INQ
