SOUTH AFRICA – AstraZeneca has recognized South Africa as an essential hub for its global clinical trials, significantly enhancing the country’s role in advancing healthcare research and patient care.
With notable growth in its clinical trial portfolio, AstraZeneca is harnessing South Africa’s robust healthcare infrastructure, diverse patient demographics, and skilled investigators to propel medical innovation across respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncology treatments.
In recent years, the volume of clinical trials conducted by AstraZeneca in South Africa has seen a dramatic rise.
This increase reflects both the country’s unique capabilities and AstraZeneca’s strategic decision to boost its presence.
Since 2021, AstraZeneca’s investment in South African trials has doubled, now accounting for 31 active studies—a 94% rise that places AstraZeneca among the top two pharmaceutical companies in terms of active trials.
Deepak Arora, AstraZeneca’s African Cluster Country President, highlighted this commitment, stating, “South Africa has emerged as a vital contributor to AstraZeneca’s global clinical research initiatives.”
The company’s efforts span multiple therapeutic areas, with a particular emphasis on respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncology research.
AstraZeneca’s cardiovascular trials in South Africa are advancing global protocols for managing heart failure, resistant hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
In respiratory research, the country plays a key role, especially in clinical studies for conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
South African teams have taken on leadership roles in these trials, contributing significantly to scientific understanding.
On the oncology front, South Africa has shown substantial contributions, particularly in lung, breast, and prostate cancer research.
In the LOGOS study, a prominent international clinical trial, South Africa stands out by enrolling 296 patients—about 13.5% of the total cohort, second only to China.
This achievement underscores South Africa’s capacity to manage complex trials on a global stage.
Fatima Cassim, Head of Clinical Operations at AstraZeneca South Africa, noted, “We have successfully transformed our operation in South Africa, expanding from just a handful of studies to over 30 ongoing trials today.”
Beyond medical research, AstraZeneca’s work in South Africa positively impacts the local healthcare system and community.
Patients participating in these trials gain access to advanced therapies, often continuing to benefit from these treatments even after trials conclude.
This accessibility to innovative care has eased some of the burdens on public healthcare, offering quality and regulated care for patients with severe conditions.
AstraZeneca is also contributing to South Africa’s medical workforce by exposing local healthcare professionals to cutting-edge global research practices.
The company’s commitment to training helps to build capacity within South Africa’s medical community, fostering a more skilled and experienced workforce.
