Dr Zeeshan Nazir, Director of Pharmacy Services at the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), highlighted the country’s limited participation in global drug trials during a symposium on Thursday. Speaking at the “Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (RCCT) in Pakistan” event held at the Prof Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, University of Karachi (UoK), Dr Nazir noted that while over 9,000 drug trials are currently underway worldwide, Pakistan is involved in only 53 of them.
Dr Nazir emphasized the importance of expanding Pakistan’s role in clinical trials, pointing out that the global revenue from clinical trials stands at a staggering $67 billion, with Pakistan’s share being minimal. He called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the country’s capacity in this field. He also lauded the efforts of the Center for Bioequivalence Studies and Clinical Research (CBSCR) at the Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, for its role in building the country’s research capabilities.
The one-day symposium was organized by the UNESCO Chair on Medicinal and Bio-Organic Natural Product Chemistry at the ICCBS, Karachi University, in collaboration with the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) Sindh Chapter. The event brought together experts and researchers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in conducting clinical trials in Pakistan.
Dr Saif-ur-Rahman Khattak, Director of Central Drug Laboratory, DRAP, and Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah, Chair holder of the UNESCO Chair on Medicinal and Bio-Organic Natural Product Chemistry, also spoke at the event. They echoed Dr Nazir’s sentiments, stressing the need for Pakistan to strengthen its position in the global pharmaceutical research landscape.
Dr Nazir reiterated DRAP’s commitment to maintaining high standards in drug regulation while ensuring that the assessment processes are expedited to facilitate timely research without compromising on quality. He underscored the critical role of DRAP in safeguarding public health and supporting the healthcare system through effective regulation.
Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah, in his address, highlighted the advanced capabilities of the CBSCR, noting that the center provides a comprehensive range of services to meet the research needs of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He praised the center for its continuous innovation and support for regulatory compliance, which helps partners achieve operational excellence.
The symposium concluded with a call to action for increased investment and collaboration in Pakistan’s clinical research sector, aiming to elevate the country’s contributions to global health advancements.
Related:Â Rising Cardiovascular Disease Highlighted at ICCBS Workshop
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