Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock

Clinical trials involving Irish patients 'saved the health service €13m' over two years

A new report published today is calling for a scaling-up of clinical research infrastructure in Ireland.

CLINICAL TRIALS INVOLVING Irish patients have saved the health service millions of euro, according to a new report, which is calling for major changes to increase Ireland’s clinical research capability.

The report, by Clinical Research Development Ireland (CRDI), is advocating for a joint State-industry funded programme to scale-up clinical research infrastructure over the next five years.

This could lead to increased access to new emerging therapies for Irish patients and generate thousands of new jobs, CRDI said today.

According to the report, each patient participating in a clinical trial, on average, will generate a benefit of €13,500 to the economy as well as health service benefits from medicines worth an average of €5,899 per patient for those participating in trials.

The report estimated that in 2018, 500 Irish patients were recruited into clinical trials for 24 months, with annual revenues and savings to the health service of €7.5 million and €5.9 million over the two years.

“We see internationally that outcomes for patients are always better in countries where clinical research is further advanced,” said Professor Pat O’Mahony, chief executive of CRDI.

“It is proven that the more research-active a national health system is, the better the outcomes for patients. For Ireland to emulate the success of other countries’ clinical research, further collaboration and investment is required.”

O’Mahony said Ireland is doing about a quarter of what it should be in the realm of clinical research. Denmark, which has the same population as Ireland, runs four times the number of clinical trials.

“Our life sciences sector has grown rapidly over the past half-century, to a point where it now has global significance,” he said.

“However, our clinical research system, infrastructure or performance do not compare with our growth in the manufacturing sector. A real opportunity exists here now, to enhance Ireland’s level of clinical research to its fullest potential.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
3 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adrian
    Favourite Adrian
    Report
    May 20th 2019, 6:23 PM

    Simple solution: Sack harris, save billions, invest more into clinical trials, get more patients into clinical trials.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Natalie May
    Favourite Natalie May
    Report
    May 20th 2019, 6:27 PM

    I wouldn’t partake in a clinical trial after hearing a horror story about one in London a decade ago. No thank you!

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Carmody
    Favourite Barry Carmody
    Report
    May 20th 2019, 10:14 PM

    @Natalie May: Would you also not drive a car because statistically you are far more likely to be injured (or worse) whilst doing that?

    15
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds