Today, Australia announced
the launch of the Victorian Clinical Trials Gateway to strengthen Victoria’s
position as a global destination for clinical trials.
“Victoria is at the
centre of Australian medical innovation. The new Victorian Clinical Trials
Gateway will grow our role in bringing new life-saving medicines and health
technologies to patients in Victoria and world-wide,” said Minister for
Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis.
The new web-based portal, Victorian
Clinical Trials Gateway (VCT Gateway), will help to connect the global
clinical trials ecosystem with and in Victoria. Supported by the Australian
Government, St Vincent’s Hospital developed the Victorian Clinical Trials
Gateway portal on behalf of the healthcare sector.
It will provide a single point of entry for international
companies that want to conduct high-quality clinical trials quickly and cost-effectively to connect with Victorian clinical trial sites, contract research
organisations and professional services.
Victoria’s clinical trial sector has a reputation for speed,
quality and cost-efficiency and is backed by highly skilled professionals and
world-class institutions. The Gateway will make it easier for companies to
access Australia’s world-class service providers, trial-ready infrastructure
and talent.
“Global companies are increasingly outsourcing clinical
trials to Melbourne and this new portal will increase our competitive
advantage,” said Minister Dalidakis.
With global healthcare spending projected to grow by over 4%
annually, the Australian Government recognises the urgent need to attract
medical innovation and investment to the country.
This digital hub will promote Australia’s industry strengths
to a global audience and drive new opportunities for industry-sponsored trials
and international partnerships, supported by the Government’s network of
business offices throughout the world.
Currently, around 1,000 new clinical trials begin in
Australia every year and more than a third of this activity happens in Victoria.
Victorian researchers win around 40% of Australian competitive medical research
funding annually.
With more than 650 life sciences companies, 12 major medical
research institutes, 10 teaching hospitals and nine universities across
Victoria, the sector currently employs more than 23,000 people and generates
more than A$12 billion for the state.
“More clinical trials in Victoria means greater access to
cutting edge medications and a growing health sector that creates more local
jobs,” Minister Dalidakis added.
In addition to attracting global companies to
Victoria, the Gateway will help local companies, particularly start-ups and
small to medium enterprises (SMEs) find the support and services they need to
grow.