The Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) and AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co., Ltd. have signed an MOU to expand the implementation of clinical research projects in hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). The initiative aims to strengthen Thailand's clinical research capacity while creating a sustainable clinical research ecosystem.
Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Executive Director of the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), stated, "HSRI, as a leader in driving clinical research in Thailand, is committed to developing a network of clinical research centers that meet international standards, thereby creating a strong foundation for the country's medical research. This collaboration with AstraZeneca, a world-leading biopharmaceutical company, will help elevate the clinical research capabilities of hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health by strengthening research infrastructure and facilitating access to comprehensive information for patient participation in clinical research. This, in turn, will contribute to establishing a valuable national clinical research database encompassing diverse patient populations."
The project will focus on expanding the number of clinical research initiatives in MoPH hospitals nationwide by selecting research centers based on comprehensive national health data and providing opportunities for patients to participate in and access research under ethical and legal standards. In addition, it will enhance the knowledge and skills of medical personnel and researchers through training and the transfer of expertise to investigator physicians and healthcare professionals from the early stages. This collaboration will help drive effective clinical research operations in Thailand and contribute to the sustainable development of the Thai health system, in alignment with HSRI's mission.
Mr. Roman Ramos, Country President of AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Frontier Markets, commented that AstraZeneca is honored and delighted to be a strategic partner of HSRI and stands ready to support the sustainable growth of Thailand's clinical research ecosystem. AstraZeneca remains committed to leveraging science to advance and develop innovative treatments to improve the quality of life of patients while strengthening the Thai health system and contributing to the well-being of society both locally and globally.
"AstraZeneca is the leading company in Thailand that places research and development, especially clinical research, at the heart of translating scientific knowledge into medical innovations for patients, and we have continuously invested in clinical research in the country. Combining AstraZeneca's global scientific and innovation capabilities with HSRI's expertise in health system research, this collaboration will expand clinical research centers across MoPH hospitals nationwide, increasing patient access to innovative medicines, while creating an ecosystem that attracts international clinical research projects to Thailand, reinforces collaboration with both domestic and global experts, and drives Thailand's health system toward long-term social and economic stability and sustainability," said Mr. Roman.
Mr. Ben Morley, Commercial Counsellor and Thailand Country Director Department for Business and Trade (DBT), British Embassy Bangkok, expressed his congratulations on the collaboration: "This marks a significant step in public-private collaboration between the two countries to expand Thailand's clinical research capabilities, promote international knowledge exchange, and strengthen health R&D, while enhancing patient understanding of clinical research. AstraZeneca, a British company, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to developing Thailand's health system in alignment with the shared vision of both Thailand and the United Kingdom to promote medical innovations and advancements that improve the quality of life of patients, develop healthcare systems, and enhance global well-being."
The Memorandum of Understanding, which focuses on expanding clinical research capabilities in hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand, includes the following key areas of collaboration:
- Expansion of clinical research centers in hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health to enhance their potential and readiness to support a greater volume of clinical research.
- Strengthen personnel capacity by supporting training and knowledge exchange activities to develop the skills and professional standards of research teams and staff at participating research centers.
- Support the selection of research centers by utilizing comprehensive national health data to inform and provide systematic supporting data.
- Elevate patient awareness and participation in clinical research by promoting understanding, access, and the participation of patients in research, while strictly adhering to and complying with ethical and legal standards.
Following the signing ceremony, HSRI organized a seminar titled "Revolutionizing Patient Access: Synergized Clinical Research Collaboration Driving Healthcare Innovation in Thailand." Speakers at the seminar included:
- Dr. Kasem Tangkasemsamran, Director of the Public Health Academic Office, Ministry of Public Health
- Dr. Pawinee Eamchan, Director of Saraburi Hospital and Chairperson of the General Hospital Association
- Dr. Passakorn Wanchaijiraboon, Director of the Clinical Research Center, Phrapokklao Hospital
- Ms. Wanitchaya Tanpurekul, Senior Director, SMM Thailand Country Head for Oncology, AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
The session was moderated by Ms. Sopida Chansurai, Director, Site Management and Monitoring, SMM Oncology Thailand, AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
