South Africa has become a popular region for conducting clinical trials and has earned a reputation for excellence in clinical research. South Africa is the powerhouse of Africa - with the most advanced, broad-based economy on the continent - and has a strong infrastructure in the medical sciences.

There are compelling reasons for sponsors to conduct clinical trials in South Africa:

South Africa has an extensive pool of experienced and well-trained investigators, and offers state-of-art facilities and medical technology. Clinical trials are conducted in compliance with ICH/GCP standards and produce high-quality data widely accepted by FDA and EMEA.

South Africa has a total population of over 47 million people of diverse origins, cultures, languages, and beliefs. Conducting trials in South African allows for access to large numbers of patients across a range of major therapeutic areas and indications, many of whom have not previously received treatment.

This provides sponsors with the benefit of rapid patient enrollment of their trial. Additionally, a high retention rate and compliance level minimizes patient withdrawals. Patients very willing to participate in clinical trials because they receive regular medical care and at no cost.

Prevalent diseases in South Africa include:

• Cancer
• Congestive Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, and Dyslipidemias
• Community Acquired Pneumonias
• Dementias, Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Crohn’s Disease, IBD
• Malaria, TB, and HIV
• Respiratory Diseases
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

While South Africa has a modern first-world medical infrastructure, the costs for travel, accommodations, investigator grants, and printing are significantly lower in South Africa when compared to clinical trials conducted in Europe or North America. This provides sponsors with a cost-effective solution to accrue patients for their trial programs.