KUALA LUMPUR, December 4 — Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) reveals that Malaysia has conducted over 2,200 sponsored clinical research studies since 2012, involving more than 25,000 participants across various therapeutic areas. Recognized as a Global Trusted Research Management Organization by the Ministry of Health, CRM plays a pivotal role in fostering a robust clinical research ecosystem in the country. The Malaysian government’s commitment to clinical trials, embedded in its 2010 National Economic Plan, led to the establishment of CRM, facilitating a conducive environment for both global and local institutions to conduct clinical research in Malaysia.
Clinical research has become a cornerstone in the development of new drugs and emerging therapies. Approximately 30% of the studies conducted in Malaysia focus on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes—three prevalent non-communicable diseases in the country. These studies not only contribute to scientific advancements but also address the unmet needs of patients, providing early access to innovative therapies when traditional treatment options are limited. The impact of clinical research extends to healthcare institutions, alleviating the burden on resources as all medical procedures and clinical care for participants are funded by study sponsors.
The growth of clinical research in Malaysia, particularly in the last four years, has been substantial, with CRM reporting a record-breaking 245 new clinical trials approved by ethics committees in 2023 alone. With a commitment to champion humanity, CRM actively engages in global initiatives, recently participating in events such as the ESMO Congress in Madrid, Global Partners Consultation by Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Canada, Regional Asian Clinical Trial Annual (REACTA) Forum in Chiba, Japan, and Clinical Research Governance World Conference in Hong Kong.
