DuBiotech hosts meeting to discuss future of clinical research in the UAE

The meeting was attended by representatives of government bodies from across the UAE, medical and pharmaceutical companies, educational institutions, and other domestic and overseas organisations involved in the promotion of life sciences. Discussions covered the ethical, regulatory, social and industry-related aspects of clinical research.

Apart from DuBiotech, the organisations represented included the UAE Ministry of Health (MoH), the Department of Health and Medical Sciences (DoHMS), Government of Dubai, the Abu Dhabi General Authority for Health Services (GAHS), Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)'s Harvard Medical School Dubai Center and the UAE University. The meeting was also attended by two US-based professional clinical research organizations and researchers from Egypt.

"Promoting clinical research is essential to grow the biotechnology and life sciences sector in the country," said Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director of DuBiotech. "This is also key to attracting global life sciences and pharmaceutical companies to Dubai. However, the introduction of clinical research needs to be carefully planned so that we ensure global best practices and standards. Our meetings were aimed at reaching a consensus among various players in the life sciences sector on these issues," he added.

The specific issues that were discussed include a unified regulatory framework for clinical research, ethical safeguards, patient health and safety standards, funding initiatives and the promotion of public awareness about these issues. Participants in the meeting exchanged ideas on how international professional bodies could help in certifying and setting benchmarks for clinical research companies in the UAE.