Ukraine war threatens to derail development of new cancer treatments
The war in Ukraine risks disrupting hundreds of clinical trials taking place in Ukraine and Russia. Swiss pharmaceutical companies are directly impacted. This not only leaves patients without access to treatment but threatens the development of promising new drugs.
This content was published on March 29, 2022 - 09:30
When Incyte’s Chief Medical Officer Steven Stein learned of the invasion of Ukraine, he immediately thought of the people involved in the company’s clinical trials. The US biotech company, with European headquarters in Switzerland, works with ten third-party contractors in Ukraine who do site and data management. As of last week, 78 people in Ukraine were still receiving treatment as part of their trials.
“When the war started, our philosophy as a company was – this is about continuity of care for patients. That's it,” Stein, who is responsible for Incyte's clinical development plans, told SWI swissinfo.ch. “These people are already very brave. They have cancer and they’ve already volunteered to be in the study. What we’ve said to them is that we’re going to do everything for you to continue getting care.”
But continuing to provide treatments and maintain strict clinical trial protocols as hospitals are bombed, millions flee the country, and cancer patients shelter in bunkers is daunting. Incyte confirmed that all of their contract colleagues are safe in Ukraine or neighbouring countries. And, while their trials have been disrupted, they are working with local medical professionals to ensure continuity of care for patients and maintain the integrity of the clinical trials.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/ukraine-war-threatens-to-derail-development-of-new-cancer-treatments/47470752?utm_campaign=teaser-in-channel&utm_content=o&utm_source=swissinfoch&utm_medium=display
= new reply since forum marked as read
