The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Institute of Health Research announced on Thursday that it has established a framework for domestic medical institutions to participate in international clinical trials for infectious diseases. This collaboration involves partnerships with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National University of Singapore.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases, under the National Institute of Health Research, has been facilitating domestic medical institutions’ involvement in international infectious disease clinical research. This effort began with participation in a network supported by the U.S. NIH and expanded to include a collaborative framework with the network operated by the National University of Singapore.
This initiative enables domestic medical institutions to take part in international collaborative clinical trials for infectious diseases led by the U.S. NIH and the National University of Singapore. It broadens the scope for international joint research to combat public health threats, including COVID-19 and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The clinical trials spearheaded by the National University of Singapore focus on evaluating the efficacy of early diagnosis and rapid treatment strategies for patients with antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
CRE infections, caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pose a significant threat, especially to immunocompromised individuals, and are classified as a second-tier infectious disease in South Korea. In response, several hospitals, including Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, and Chilgok Kyungpook National University Hospital, have been enrolling patients for clinical trials since October of last year.
The U.S. NIH’s support program is currently conducting clinical research in 34 countries worldwide, with a focus on developing treatments for respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19. In South Korea, it has already participated in two COVID-19 clinical trials and is now conducting a prospective observational study on patients with severe acute respiratory infections and immunodeficiency.
Researchers emphasize that establishing this foundation for participation in international clinical trial networks is crucial. It enables domestic medical institutions to swiftly engage in multinational clinical research when new infectious diseases emerge. They assert that this initiative will play a vital role in developing evidence-based treatment strategies and enhancing clinical response capabilities during health crises.
Jeong Eun-kwan, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated that creating a foundation for participation in international clinical trial networks is essential for preparing for future infectious disease outbreaks. It’s committed to expanding collaborations with international research institutions and supporting domestic medical institutions’ involvement in global clinical research to continually strengthen the capacity to respond to infectious diseases.