Ramsay Newsroom

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical trials unit has continued to facilitate patient access to potential new treatments. 

Before a new treatment is made available, testing is required to ensure it is both safe and effective. Clinical trials are the vital ‘gatekeeper’ between discoveries in the lab and treatments administered in hospitals and accessed in the community. 

Focusing on oncology, liver disease and respiratory illness trials, the GMRF’s Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) facilitates the vital step in the drug development pathway from research to standard of care for future patients. 

In 2020, the CTU produced trial outcome data which contributed to the registration of earlier Stage III Melanoma Immunotherapy treatment on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, giving the community affordable access to this ground-breaking new treatment. 

GMRF’s Associate Director of Clinical Trials, Dr Suzanne Elliott, said: “It is very exciting to see the progress of new treatments and what it means for patients.” 

“Off the back of our trials into melanoma treatments, which are now publicly available, the science is being transferred into other cancers.” 

The CTU has also recently commenced eight new trials with a further six in the start-up phase. 

2021 is set to be another year of growth, with the unit increasing its focus in gastric and colorectal cancers and strengthening its partnership with new primary investigators in new disease areas based at Greenslopes Private Hospital. 

For more information, visit www.gallipoliresearch.com.au/research/clinical-trials-unit.