Clinical trials in South Africa propel AstraZeneca’s global health research and capacity

Currently ranked second in the pharmaceutical sector for clinical trials after MSD, AstraZeneca's commitment to healthcare innovation and sustainable clinical research in South Africa is both deep and strategic.

South Africa plays a distinctive role in AstraZeneca’s global clinical trial portfolio, contributing a large number of patients to key studies and often stepping in as a “rescue country” for trials that are underperforming elsewhere.

This focus on respiratory and cardiovascular research, combined with the country’s unique patient demographics, enables AstraZeneca to collect valuable insights that contribute to global healthcare solutions.

AstraZeneca’s clinical operations in South Africa have fostered long-term patient care and systemic healthcare benefits through its post-trial access programs, which ease the state’s healthcare burden while improving patient outcomes.

Fatima Cassim, AstraZeneca South Africa's Head of Clinical Operations, highlighted this in a recent statement: “We’ve seen tremendous growth in our clinical trials in South Africa, especially in respiratory and cardiovascular research. Our partnerships with local investigators and academic institutions have allowed us to provide novel therapies to patients, while also contributing to the country’s scientific development."

Cassim also pointed to AstraZeneca’s dedication to transformation and capacity building in South Africa. With 25% of AstraZeneca’s clinical trial sites situated within the public healthcare sector, the company ensures that a significant portion of its operations are aligned with national priorities. Additionally, AstraZeneca is creating opportunities for new investigators to engage in advanced trials, which supports the development of South Africa's research talent pool.

Through collaboration with local healthcare professionals and academic institutions, AstraZeneca is helping to develop a new generation of clinical researchers equipped with the expertise to conduct advanced clinical trials. This capacity-building approach, Cassim noted, “enhances not only their professional confidence but also the quality of care provided to trial patients.”

Deepak Arora, African Cluster Country President at AstraZeneca, underscored South Africa’s crucial role in AstraZeneca’s clinical research initiatives. “Our focus on diverse, high-impact trials in respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncology therapies not only advances global medical knowledge but also brings novel treatments to local patients,” Arora said. “We are committed to continuing our investment in South Africa’s healthcare ecosystem, driving scientific innovation while improving access to life-saving therapies.”

AstraZeneca’s partnerships extend to industry bodies such as the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa (IPASA) to help streamline the regulatory complexities within the clinical trial sector. By collaborating with key opinion leaders and navigating regulatory challenges, AstraZeneca has successfully conducted trials that align with local health priorities and patient needs.

One of the pillars of AstraZeneca’s approach is the implementation of a post-trial access policy, ensuring patients involved in clinical trials can continue to access new treatments after trials conclude. This initiative not only provides ongoing care to trial patients but also supports the South African healthcare system by improving patient health outcomes and reducing comorbidities.

Looking ahead, AstraZeneca plans to expand its clinical research presence in South Africa. With a robust pipeline of products, including a forthcoming dyslipidemia treatment, AstraZeneca aims to bring transformative health solutions to market