Institute leading the way with clinical trials

With world-class research capabilities, a strong and stable business environment, a rapid clinical trial approval system and the use of digital remote technology, the Institute for Respiratory Health is world-leading in the clinical trials space.

Over the past four years, the clinical trials unit at the Institute for Respiratory Health has been a part of landmark clinical trials research right here in Western Australia to help progress a breakthrough life-changing treatment for cystic fibrosis patients.

Trikafta, a three-drug combo pill may benefit 90 per cent of cystic fibrosis patients globally.

“Studies have shown that patients had improved lung function, a reduction in respiratory infection and better quality of life,” said clinical trials manager Meagan Shorten.

“The development and effect of this treatment is inspirational. It’s through medical research that we see continued progress, and can make game-changing breakthroughs and save lives.

“The coronavirus has pushed clinical trials into the limelight like never before. And we are now using digital remote technology to undertake research with patients in the safety of their own home.

“In one trial we use telehealth to engage with patients so that they don’t need to come into the clinical trials centre and get exposed to the coronavirus and other bugs.

“Successful clinical trials require two things: researchers who keep looking for solutions to the world’s health threats and patients who keep volunteering for clinical trials to play an active role in their healthcare but to also help discover new treatments,” said Meagan Shorten.

“This International Clinical Trials Day I want to thank all researchers and volunteers, who without we wouldn’t have made the rapid progression in managing the coronavirus and many other diseases like cystic fibrosis. And in accelerating the use of virtual technologies.”

International Clinical Trials Day is held on 20 May each year to commemorate the day that James Lind began his trials into the causes of scurvy.

Lind’s experiments in 1747 were run under very different conditions to today. Serving as a surgeon on the HMS Salisbury, his trial consisted of just 12 men, grouped into pairs and given a variety of dietary supplements from cider to oranges and lemons.

The trial only lasted six days but, within that time, there was a noticeable improvement in the group eating the fruit, providing Lind with evidence of the link between citrus fruits and scurvy.