Clinical Trials in South Africa Propel AstraZeneca’s Global Health Research and Capacity.

AstraZeneca’s presence in South Africa has become a driving force in global health research, contributing significantly to respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncology therapeutic areas. The pharmaceutical giant has solidified its position as a key player, ranking second in the pharmaceutical sector for clinical trials after MSD, demonstrating its deep investment in both the country and the future of healthcare.

South Africa’s unique role in AstraZeneca’s clinical trial portfolio has seen the country rise to prominence, particularly in respiratory and cardiovascular research. The country has not only contributed large patient numbers to global studies but has also served as a rescue country  for underperforming trials worldwide. AstraZeneca’s local research extends beyond immediate results, contributing to long-term patient care and healthcare system improvements through post-trial access programmes that ease the burden on the state and reduce patient comorbidities.

Fatima Cassim, Head of Clinical Operations at AstraZeneca South Africa, highlights the company’s evolving strategy in South Africa: “We’ve seen tremendous growth in our clinical trials in South Africa, especially in respiratory and cardiovascular research. Our partnerships with local investigators and academic institutions have allowed us to provide novel therapies to patients, while also contributing to the country’s scientific development. We are committed to driving transformation and building capacity by ensuring 25% of our trial sites are within the state sector and offering opportunities for new investigators.”

The company’s commitment to capacity building is evident in its collaboration with doctors and investigators, many of whom are trained in AstraZeneca’s cutting-edge science. By equipping local healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to run sophisticated trials, AstraZeneca is fostering a new generation of clinical researchers in South Africa. This strategy, Fatima says, “enhances not only their professional confidence but also the quality of care provided to trial patients.”

In addition to AstraZeneca’s strong local partnerships, the pharmaceutical leader is navigating the complexities of South Africa’s regulatory landscape. With collaborations through industry bodies like the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa (IPASA), the company works towards streamlining challenges facing the clinical trial sector.    

South Africa’s contribution to global research is evident through the country’s involvement in cutting-edge clinical trials, particularly for novel therapies. While challenges remain in areas like oncology and rare diseases, the country continues to play a critical role in global research, providing novel care to patients and advancing the development of new treatments. Local relevance is a key focus, with trials tailored to benefit the South African population through collaborations with key opinion leaders and academic institutions.

Deepak Arora, African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca, emphasised the importance of South Africa’s contribution to AstraZeneca’s global clinical research initiatives: “Our focus on diverse, high-impact trials in respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncology therapies not only advances global medical knowledge but also brings novel treatments to local patients. We are committed to continuing our investment in South Africa’s healthcare ecosystem, driving scientific innovation while improving access to life-saving therapies.”

Clinical trials in South Africa have evolved significantly, providing state and academic sites access to novel therapies. A key policy implemented is post-trial access, ensuring that patients in clinical trials continue receiving the newer drugs after the trial ends This helps ease the burden on the state by providing better care, reducing comorbidities, and assisting the healthcare system.

AstraZeneca is poised for continued growth in its clinical trials, with a strong pipeline of products in development. Of particular note is the company’s upcoming entry into dyslipidemia treatment, a unique offering in the competitive market. This commitment to ethical standards, high-quality training, and transformative research has earned it a stellar reputation amongst local investigators. These investments and capacity-building efforts will be integral to both the local and global advancement of health research.