Future of NZ's clinical research under microscope

Future of New Zealand's clinical research under the microscope

GlaxoSmithKline is launching what it hopes will only be the start of annual clinical research forums in New Zealand.

The inaugural National Clinical Trials Seminar is being held on Saturday 1 November at the Heritage Hotel, Hobson Street, Auckland, from 9am to 4pm.

Topics will include the trans-Tasman agreement, the role of DHBs in clinical research, Maori consultation, ethics committees, indemnity and compensation.

"The symposium is open to anybody with an interest in clinical research including clinicians, research nurses, general nurses and the pharmaceutical industry," GlaxoSmithKline medical director Dr Ian Griffiths says.

The idea for a New Zealand clinical research forum came from GSK's clinical research team. The team attended the Australian Clinical Research Symposium last year and found the experience extremely valuable. It also sparked the idea to hold a similar event here celebrating New Zealand research.

GlaxoSmithKline invests the equivalent of NZ $8 billion annually in clinical research around the world and in addition to being involved with the international research GSK New Zealand has also invested $8 million in clinical research right here. This research includes asthma, looking at the effects of the company's latest type 2 diabetes medication on cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes patients, research looking at combination treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and studies looking at the prevention of prostate cancer and treatment of atrial fibrillation.

It is for this reason the clinical research team believes an annual symposium will provide a valuable and exciting platform for New Zealand's clinical researchers to come together, Dr Griffiths says. "The company believes this is an important enough initiative to take a lead and organise the first event. However, it is hoped others will take on the organisation of future forums, and that the forums will become an annual event."

The deadline for registration is the end of September. Registration forms can be accessed on the GlaxoSmithKline website www.gsk-conferences.co.nz

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