Clinical trials at all-time high for Barwon Health

Barwon Health’s level of clinical trials is at an all-time high, marking Geelong as a highly respected medical research hub.

During the past 12 months Barwon Health has facilitated about 200 clinical trials involving 700 participants, providing locals with access to new and emerging therapies.

Trials included treatments for diabetes, cardiology, stroke and respiratory illness, and subjects have also taken part in an international trial of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford praised the work that was being done in the region.

“There is groundbreaking work being done in Geelong in medical research and clinical trials. The impact for individuals, the wider community and the Geelong economy are profound,” Ms Pulford said.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said the impact of having trials in the region positively impacted the economy.

“Increasing the number of clinical trials held in regional Victoria provides faster local access to new treatments and contributes more than $300 million annually to our economy,” she said.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman added, “the dedicated workforce at Barwon Health cannot be praised highly enough for their efforts to look after us now and in striving to create a healthier future for the community”.

Further reinforcing Geelong’s credentials, a team of Barwon Health researchers have received funding from the Government’s COVID-19 Research Fund to complete a study into the long-term effects of coronavirus.

Victoria continues to be one of leaders for medical research in the country, securing more than 40 per cent of competitive national research funding.

The Government has invested $14.7 million in 17 dedicated coronavirus research projects being conducted by the state’s world-leading researchers and $37 million towards the advancement of other life-saving medical research.