The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) has opened one of its most popular courses to the world following a visit to the gulf region of Jeddah Saudi Arabia by its education manager.
Sue Fitzpatrick visited Saudi Arabia to run the ICR's clinical trials and clinical-trials practice course for a group of delegates from some of the country's leading institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
Many top pharmaceutical companies have a presence in Saudi Arabia, including Novonordisk, Sanofi-Aventis, Astra Zeneca, Pfizer and Glaxosmithkline, but currently only later-phase studies are being conducted.
To attract more commercial attention, the region is demonstrating its quality and commitment to conducting good research, beginning with laying these foundations to attract the clinical research market.
Adham Sayed, clinical research associate with Novonordisk, attended the course and said: 'Having such training in our region would encourage the pharmaceutical companies to have more training for all their employees, which will elevate our standards in an international market.' The course introduces the principles of GCP and regulatory requirements that impact on clinical research, as well as practical aspects of conducting studies to the correct standards.
After the course in Jeddah all of the candidates sat the ICR's Certificate and Diploma exams.
There are plans to arrange several courses in the future.
