Author: Dr. Sanaullah Sajid

Pakistan talent in clinical trials

Pakistan has a large pool of clinical trial talent, and many of these individuals are employed by multinational companies. The country has a well-developed infrastructure for conducting clinical trials, and its regulations are compatible with international standards. Pakistan also has several universities that offer degrees in clinical research, and many of these institutions have partnerships with multinational companies. These partnerships provide opportunities for students to gain experience in the field and to work with experienced professionals. Pakistan has several advantages that make it an attractive destination for clinical trials. These include a large population, a high degree of genetic diversity, and a lower cost of labor. Additionally, Pakistan is located in a region that is adjacent to many other countries with a high burden of disease, making it an ideal location for trials that aim to develop treatments for diseases that are prevalent in the region. Despite these advantages, Pakistan faces some challenges in the clinical trials arena. These include a lack of awareness about clinical trials among the general population, and a lack of coordination between different stakeholders. Additionally, Pakistan has a relatively high rate of attrition among clinical trial participants, and a lack of data on the safety and efficacy of new treatments. Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains a viable option for clinical trials, and its talent pool and infrastructure provide a solid foundation for conducting high-quality trials.

In recent years, Pakistan has become the “most preferred destination” for the conduct of clinical trials, due to its large pool of qualified clinical staff, relatively low cost of conducting trials. The clinical trials industry in Pakistan has grown significantly in recent years, with more than 500 clinical research organizations now registered with the country’s drug regulatory authority. Pakistan’s clinical research industry has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20 percent over the last five years and is now estimated to be worth around US$200 million. A quick search on ClinicalTrials.gov reveals that there are currently over 200 ongoing clinical trials taking place in Pakistan. The majority of clinical trials conducted in Pakistan are phase Ill trials, followed by phase IV trials. Pakistan has a large pool of qualified clinical staff, with over 1,000 doctors and 5,000 nurses trained in clinical research. The country also has a large population of potential trial participants, with a population of over 220 million people. The relatively low cost of conducting clinical trials in Pakistan is another key factor that has contributed to the country’s attractiveness as a clinical trial destination. The cost of conducting a clinical trial in Pakistan is estimated to be around US$50,000, which is significantly lower than the cost of conducting a trial in developed countries such as the United States and Europe. In addition, the Pakistani government offers a number of financial incentives to encourage the conduct of clinical trials in the country, including tax holidays and duty-free import of clinical trial materials. The Pakistani government is also working to improve the regulatory environment for clinical trials and has recently introduced a number of reforms to the country’s clinical trials regulations. These reforms include the introduction of a centralized online registration system for clinical trials. The Pakistani government is also working to improve the country’s infrastructure for clinical research, with the construction of a new clinical research center in Islamabad and the establishment of a dedicated clinical research hospital in Karachi.