FDA to discuss future of clinical trials in SA

Leading experts in the clinical trials industry will address a wide variety of challenges the industry is facing when conducting trials as well as provide clarity and direction for organisations that are considering a clinical study for their product. A key issue that will be addressed throughout this conference is how to work with both notified bodies as well as competent authorities to understand requirements and make adjustments when necessary.

The conference keynote will be delivered by Dr Vicki Seyfert-Margolis, Senior Advisor for Science Innovation and Policy for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner's Office in Washington DC, USA. She focuses on initiatives in regulatory science and innovation, personalised medicine and scientific computing and informatics and has vast experience gained from overseeing the development of more than 20 centralised laboratory facilities, as well as the design and execution of biomarker discovery studies for clinical trials. Dr Seyfert-Margolis has also co-authored numerous publications and has lectured internationally on various topics, including clinical trials.

In addition, representatives from the Medicines Control Council (MCC), South Africa Clinical Research Association (SACRA), SA Medical Research Council, Pharmaceutical Industry Association of South Africa (PIASA), Wits Health Consortium, CAPRISA, ACRO, European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) as well as leading hospital and pharmaceutical representatives will meet to discuss the future of clinical trials in South Africa.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) requires all health professionals to attend compulsory Continued Professional Development (CPD) activities to the value of 30 points per year. Delegates attending this event will not only gain insight into the latest developments in the clinical trials industry but they will also get 24 CPD points from SAMA.

For more information on the Clinical Trials 2012