Emirates Drug Establishment Hosts UAE's First Clinical Research Forum To Enhance Collaboration

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), in partnership with the Drug Information Association (DIA) Middle East and Africa Office, hosted the inaugural Clinical Research Forum in the UAE at the American University in Dubai. The event attracted representatives from regulatory bodies, academic institutions, international organisations, healthcare entities, and pharmaceutical and technology firms.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, highlighted their commitment to fostering a world-class regulatory environment that encourages innovation while ensuring patient safety. She stated that EDE aims to develop adaptable and transparent regulatory frameworks that align with global advancements in medical products and clinical research.

The forum featured specialised sessions addressing various aspects of clinical research. Topics included regulatory considerations, research ethics, data protection, research quality, and partnerships between academia and industry. Discussions also covered the readiness of research centres and innovative strategies for attracting clinical studies to the UAE and beyond.

Dr. Omnia Darwish, General Manager of DIA for the Middle East and Africa, emphasised the forum's significance as a crucial step towards shaping the future of clinical research in the UAE. She explained that the event aimed to transition from isolated initiatives to a coordinated national research ecosystem adhering to international standards.

Darwish outlined three primary objectives for the forum: enhancing collaboration between government entities and various sectors, standardising regulatory, ethical, and operational frameworks, and creating a sustainable environment for high-quality clinical research. She acknowledged the World Health Organisation's role in supporting governance and ethical oversight across the region.

The EDE's initiative aligns with its strategy to oversee medical product regulation through key priorities. These include developing a health sciences sector backed by advanced technologies to ensure pharmaceutical security, boost medical industries' growth, and foster a research environment that accelerates access to innovative therapies while promoting transparency.

Collaboration Across Sectors

Participants included Dr. Shaikha Al Mazrouei from EDE’s Drug Department; representatives from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health; Dubai Health Authority; University of Sharjah; American University in Dubai; New York University Abu Dhabi; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; AstraZeneca; Amgen; and other entities involved in clinical research.

Al Kaabi noted that EDE operates with a comprehensive vision to strengthen pharmaceutical security by ensuring sustainable availability of medical products at competitive prices. The aim is also to promote a national pharmaceutical model meeting top international standards.

The forum underscored EDE’s dedication to coordinating a robust regulatory framework for medical products. This involves prioritising health sciences development supported by cutting-edge technologies to drive growth in medical industries while enhancing international cooperation in pharmaceuticals.

With inputs from WAM