Today’s guest is Dr Paul Hamilton, Clinical Director of Early Phase Research at Pacific Clinical Research Network (PCRN).
This episode is brought to you by SAPRO Consulting: https://www.saproconsulting.com.au/

New medicines are first studied in animals before they are tested in humans. Animal testing provides an insight into the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the new medicine. But before a new medicine can be tested on their intended patient population, the so-called "First In Human" (FIH) testing needs to take place. This is typically done in Normal Healthy Volunteers (NHVs) - i.e., a group of healthy individuals, not taking any prescription medications. Once the safety and tolerability of a new medicine has been substantiated in NHVs, only then can the medicine be tested in a patient.

These types of trials are Phase 1 and 1b/2a trials, respectively, and are collectively called "Early Phase Trials". Early Phase trials are an exciting part of the clinical trials spectrum, as this is where the "Proof of Concept" is first determined. And, as Dr Paul Hamilton explains, can deliver impressive health improvements if the technology works as expected.

As time progresses, new medicines become more targeted as we enter the era of "precision medicine". The drugs of tomorrow, are being tested today. The argument for participating in a clinical trial as a patient with a disease is compelling as Dr Hamilton explains in this podcast.

In this episode, Dr Hamilton and I discuss:

1. The importance of Early Phase Clinical Trials
2. Why clinical trials need to be seen as a component of a patient's overall healthcare journey 
3. Future opportunities and challenges in the Clinical Research/Trials space in New Zealand

You can find out more about Dr Hamilton and Pacific Clinical Research Network (PCRN) here:
Pacific Clinical Research Network
Paul Hamilton - LinkedIn
PCRN - LinkedIn

Timestamps:
00:00 Teaser
00:22 Introduction
01:30 Pivoting from from medicine and clinical research
08:40 Paul's defining moment in clinical trials - Sofosbuvir
12:30 Danicopan
15:50 The future of medicine starts with Early Phase research
21:30 Early Phase vs. Late Phase
23:30 Setting up a new Early Phase research location
29:25 Clinical trials have a responsibility for delivering healthcare
33:00 Designing good early phase studies
37:00 The Future of Clinical Trials in New Zealand
44:25 Advice for getting into clinical research

Dr Paul Hamilton | Clinical Trials are driving the Future of Medicine and Healthcare | Ep 22

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