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Clinical Trials of New Medicines

Clinical trials in humans are essential for confirming the safety and efficacy of new medicines, and for testing new uses for existing medicines. They are an integral part of developing new treatments for unmet medical needs. Aside from advancing medical knowledge towards the discovery of new treatments, clinical trials bring many benefits to patients and professionals.

Clinical Research in New Zealand

Our Therapeutic Products division is committed to bringing Clinical Trials to New Zealand.  A quarter of our 80 staff and our annual income is invested into clinical research and medical information in New Zealand. 

In 2010 we are contributing to 66 trials in a range of diseases including breast, bowel and lung cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, malignant melanoma, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and diabetes.  As of May 2010, 1837 New Zealanders are participating in Roche supported and sponsored trials - helping develop tomorrows innovative medicines for today's diseases.

We recognise all clinical trials can involve ethical issues and risks, and our team at Roche work closely and responsibly with New Zealands ethical and regulatory bodies to manage these risks and the potential impact on patients.  To understand the strict principles we hold ourselves to in more detail, please visit our Global Clinical Trials website.  

To find out what clinical trials are currently being run in New Zealand, please visit our clinical trials registry.

04/05/2010

Benefits to Patients

Benefits to patients of clinical trials include:

  • Access to a novel treatment before it is widely available or access to the global gold standard comparator (which may also not be freely available in New Zealand)
  • Close medical oversight and regular access to study nurse and physician
  • Close scrutiny of adverse events
  • Provision of care within a healthcare facility committed to improving best practice


Benefits to Professionals

Clinical trials also offer substantial benefits to the health sector in terms of workforce recruitment and retention. Clinical trials offer physicians opportunities for access to novel medicines and encourage an environment of innovation.  This enhances professional satisfaction and ensures New Zealand can compete internationally to attract highly trained, clinical professionals who wish to provide a high quality health service that is at the forefront of research and innovation.