News

Barwon Health’s Cardiology Research Unit has been recognised with an international award for its clinical trials.

In late June, biopharmaceutical solutions company Syneos Health presented its Site Appreciation Award to the Geelong Cardiology Research Unit, which has been involved in clinical trials conduct since June 2000.

A clinical trial is a research study where volunteers agree to test a medicine, device or therapy to discover whether it is more beneficial than standard treatment.

The Cardiology Research Unit runs clinical trials in therapeutic areas, including heart failure, heart attack and unstable angina, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, peripheral vascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

The unit’s director, Associate Professor John Amerena, said the team was very proud to have won such a prestigious award, which is presented to recognise the value of clinical research sites as partners in clinical research.

“Clinical research can give patients access to medication and therapies that they would otherwise have to wait years for,” A/Prof Amerena said.“While there’s a lot of trial and error, some studies can save lives and improve quality of life for many people.

“Our unit prides itself on producing high quality data, and is proud to have been involved in the development of a number of new therapies, treatment options and interventional procedures that have now become standard of care for patients with heart disease and diabetes.

“It is only through clinical trials with volunteer patients that important questions about new medicines and therapies can be answered.”

A clinical trial will only take place if there is a scientific and medical reason, and if there are more benefits than risks for the trial participants.