Health Minister: Malaysia records 276 sponsored clinical trials, up 24% year-on-year

PUTRAJAYA, April 22 — Malaysia has recorded a historic total of 276 sponsored clinical trials, a marked increase of 24 percent year-on-year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

He said clinical research also has a profound impact on healthcare in Malaysia, especially through increasing access to innovative investigational treatments for patients.

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“Not only is this the highest annual number, but it also consolidates Malaysia’s lead as number two in Southeast Asia, closing the gap to the top of the rankings.

“With more than 2,300 sponsored trials in the country since 2012, gross national income from clinical research contracts has grown year on year and now totals RM1.16 billion,” he said in his speech at the launch of Clinical Research. Malaysia (CRM) Annual Report 2023, here today.

Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said the pharmaceutical industry is now looking at Malaysia not only as a pilot site but also as a regional base for clinical research activities.

The minister said that by remaining steadfast on all these issues, CRM is committed to achieving its key missions over the next decade, all aimed at making Malaysia the hub of choice in Asia.

“This includes the establishment of CRM’s Center of Excellence only in March 2024. I look forward to seeing graduates train and develop to build their careers in clinical research and become professional study coordinators,” he said.

Previously, Dzulkefly witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CRM and the Clinical Research Management Office of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to further consolidate efforts in upskilling of researchers, as well as to facilitate knowledge exchange in clinical research to stimulate. – Bernama