Boosting drug trials: Experts call for collaboration to increase revenue

IV Report

KARACHI: Pakistan's share in global drug efficacy trials is alarmingly low, with only 0.6% of trials conducted locally, experts revealed at a symposium on “Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials”.

Organised by Unesco Chair at ICCBS, University of Karachi, and Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Sindh Chapter, on August 29, the event stressed collaboration to boost revenue.

Director of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), Dr Zeeshan Nazir shared with the participants of the meeting that only 53 out of 9,000 drugs trials worldwide were being conducted in Pakistan. Pakistan was earning only a fractional of the estimated USD67 billion global revenue, he added, stressing the need for enhanced collaboration between different stakeholders.

On this occasion, Dr Nazir appreciated the role of the Centre for Bioequivalence Studies and Clinical Research (CBSCR) at Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, in capacity building.

Drap Director further stated that as a regulator Drap was committed to upholding the stringent quality policy.  “At the same time, we will ensure speedy assessments so that the overall process can be expedited without compromising quality,” he mentioned and asserted that the role of Drap is crucial as its decisions directly impact the public health, health care system, and research and development.

Unesco Chair holder Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah highlighted CBSCR's expertise and resources for efficient research.

The professor said that CBSCR offers a unique blend of expertise, resources, and advanced technology all under one roof, enabling the researchers to meet their needs efficiently and effectively. “As a leader in the pharmaceutical services and healthcare industry, the CBSCR continuously innovates to help our partners navigate regulatory challenges and achieve operational excellence,” he asserted.

Dr Zeeshan Nazir of Drap speaking at the symposium.

 

 

 


With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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