- Clinical trials contribute $1.4 billion and $146 million to the Australian and New Zealand economies respectively, with diverse participant populations, high quality environments and government backed support
- From February, Momentum Clinical Research launches as Australia and New Zealand’s largest multi-site clinical research entity, delivering a streamlined process through their network of 13 sites
- With sites that have been operating for over 20 years, Momentum Clinical Research can facilitate a variety of therapeutic clinical trials from healthy volunteer studies including vaccinations, to studies of general medical conditions, chronic pain and specialised areas, such as obesity, dermatology and HIV.
29 February 2024 – Each year, clinical trials contribute around $1.4 billion1 and $146 million2 to the Australian and New Zealand economies respectively, with more than 18,000 clinical trials having been registered in Australia and 3,700 in New Zealand3, over the past 30 years. As a critical aspect of evidence-based medicine, clinical trials are essential for assessing how new treatments, tests and vaccines will work4.
Australia and New Zealand have established themselves as ideal locations to host clinical trials due to their diverse participant populations, sophisticated healthcare and research environments as well as government backed support2. Both countries have adopted the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP)5,6 to ensure all trials collect high quality and credible data that is internationally recognised.
In addition, the Australian Government has pledged $750 million7 to increase clinical trial activity between 2022-2032. Similarly, the New Zealand Government has invested $98 million8 into health research funding from 2017-2027 to facilitate the conduct of clinical trials.
As of February 2024, New Zealand’s renowned P3 Research unites with Australia’s AusTrials and Holdsworth House to form Momentum Clinical Research – an extensive clinical research entity with sites that have been operating for more than 20 years. By providing sponsors a single point of contact for their current 13 sites across the two countries, Momentum Clinical Research aims to provide quick responses to feasibility requests, faster study starts and accelerated recruitment – all leading to the delivery of high-quality results for Phase 1b-IV clinical trials. Momentum Clinical Research is the only Trans-Tasman network of clinical trial sites.
Momentum Clinical Research CEO, Joshua Stent, emphasises how the entity works as a one stop solution for research organisations and biotech companies looking to host clinical trials in Australia and New Zealand.
“Our centralised approach to feasibility and accelerated start-up process not only enhances capacity at our sites but also enables our research teams to prioritise what matters most. This empowers them to focus on the quality delivery of clinical trials, while simultaneously ensuring improved access for those seeking to participate in trials.
“The merging of P3 Research, AusTrials and Holdsworth House to form Momentum Clinical Research will enable us to create an even bigger impact in the world of clinical research and we are looking forward to seeing these brands collaborate and share their proven track records of success across the board,” Mr Stent says.
“As one organisation, we can offer a streamlined and efficient process for our partners, providing confidence to deliver high-quality studies efficiently, achieved through the centralisation of our feasibility and study start-up teams, and our deep expertise in rapidly recruiting participants.”
The collaboration of the three brands will allow trial sponsors and clinical research organisations the opportunity to host clinical trials across multiple sites in both Australia and New Zealand, with access to a comprehensive database of over 50,000 potential participants.
P3 Research Managing Director, Dr Richard Stubbs, says Momentum Clinical Research’s cutting-edge facilities are equipped to host a diverse range of studies throughout their different phases, with further plans for expansion to meet the demand of both local and international trials.
“Momentum’s research investigators are all dedicated to conducting studies, and are experienced in all study phases with a diverse range of therapeutic capabilities. Our team has a deep understanding of the conduct of clinical trials as well as principles of GCP, informed consent and case report forms.
“Our study coordinators are fully trained with a current GCP certification and are proficient in all the leading electronic case report form and randomisation platforms. Additionally, some coordinators have completed further certifications with the International Air Transport Association on the shipment of dangerous goods,” Dr Stubbs says.
“Our Australian sites utilise a private central ethics committee which allows a fast-tracked approval time of four to six weeks. The process in New Zealand is similarly streamlined with centralised ethics committee meetings every week, again allowing for approval times of four to six weeks. Additionally, we have specialist recruitment teams who help ensure we meet or exceed participant targets for the majority of our completed trials.”
Mr Stent concludes, “It is the depth and breadth of experience of our site teams coupled with the streamlined processes and systems within P3 Research, AusTrials and Holdsworth House that has appealed to our sponsors over many years, and we are confident this legacy will continue.”
With sites that have been conducting clinical research for more than two decades, Momentum Clinical Research will bring an unparalleled network of research capability to clinical trials hosted in Australia and New Zealand attracting both local and international partners. To learn more, head to momentumclinicalresearch.com.
