Catalonia, leader in clinical trials
Catalonia is currently a reference in the participation of clinical trials, with a total of 5,308 ongoing trials. This figure places Catalonia in fifth position in Europe, surpassed only by France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. On a global scale, Catalonia occupies the eighth position in terms of participation in clinical trials.
Featured areas
Clinical trials in Catalonia stand out especially in the area of oncology, which represents 34% of ongoing clinical trials. In addition, other areas in which Catalonia stands out on a global scale are the immune, respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, dermatology, the digestive system, hematology, mental health and metabolic diseases.
Phases of clinical trials
Clinical trials in Catalonia are divided into three phases. 20% of the trials are phase I, 36% are phase II and 40% are phase III.
Advanced and emerging therapies
Catalonia also excels in clinical trials of advanced and emerging therapies, occupying fifth position in Europe and eighth worldwide. The Catalan hospitals leading these studies are Hospital Clínic, Hospital Universitari de la Vall d’Hebron, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge.
Leadership factors
Catalonia’s leadership in clinical trials is due to several factors. Firstly, Catalonia has a solid healthcare system and competitive hospitals with high quality clinical facilities. In addition, favorable regulations, growth in patient recruitment and the international reputation of healthcare professionals have also contributed to this leadership. This has led to the pharmaceutical industry relying on Catalan hospitals and institutes for its clinical research, with 76% of trials financed by this industry (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en -Catalan/).
Non-commercial clinical trials
In addition to clinical trials funded by the pharmaceutical industry, there are 24% of non-commercial clinical trials promoted by academic institutions, hospitals, scientific societies and clinical researchers. These tests aim to respond to the needs of clinical practice and not to commercial interests. In Catalonia, the main promoters of these trials are the Hospital Clínic, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, the Hospital de la Vall d’Hebron, the Hospital del Mar, the Hospital de Bellvitge and the ‘Hospital of Sant Joan de Déu.
The future of clinical trials in Catalonia
According to the director general of Biocat, Catalonia has become one of the main drivers of clinical trials on a global scale. To remain leaders in this field, it is necessary to combine leadership in research and development with a firm commitment to scaling up and producing advanced therapies.
