Clinical Trials

At Novartis, we are determined to help people in the UK and around the world who live with many different conditions to improve and extend their lives. A critical part of this ambition is our programme of clinical research.

Clinical trials are fundamental to the development of new medicines and help to enhance the quality of, or even prolong life,1 while progressing scientific understanding and enabling earlier access to new, innovative medicines.2,3 Clinical research can also provide a vital ‘life-line’ and an alternative treatment approach for many patients.3

 

CLINICAL TRIALS: THE FACTS

Without clinical trials, many of the medicines we rely on today would not exist.1 Clinical trials ensure that medicines are generally well tolerated and effective, and that new, innovative treatments are continuously being developed for people with different illnesses.1,4

At Novartis, we understand that involvement in clinical trials might naturally create apprehension among patients and their families, friends or carers. We have listened to common queries regarding clinical trials and this page provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. 

 

CLINICAL TRIALS IN PHASES4,5

Clinical trials are divided into phases, ranging from 1 to 4, also written as phase I-IV. Earlier phases determine the safety of a treatment and any potential side effects, while later stages examine whether a new medicine is more effective than existing therapies but also evaluating the safety for more uncommon side effects..

NOVARTIS AND CLINICAL TRIALS

At Novartis, we are committed to progressing scientific research and are the leading commercial clinical trials sponsor in the UK, with 622 trials conducted over the last 10 years. Conducting clinical trials locally can lead to improved quality of care for patients in those communities, and in 2019, we sponsored 146 clinical trials, conducting studies in a quarter of all trial site organisations in the UK.6

Through our research, advances for many diseases have been made possible, giving people in the UK and around the world alternative and improved treatment options.

Novartis makes every effort to comply with national and international standards for disclosure of clinical trial information. Results are made publicly available whatever the outcome. Access to this information helps people to make informed decisions about potential treatment options and participation in clinical studies.

Results from our clinical trials are available on our dedicated website, http://www.novartisclinicaltrials.com.

 

THE NOVARTIS COMMITMENT TO PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

At Novartis, we are dedicated to developing innovative treatments that help to improve the lives of people with serious diseases. As a company, we value the role of patients and the experienced insight they can bring to our medical research. We seek input into the design of patient-facing materials and where possible, we invite patient input into trial design as well to ensure they are practical for the participant.

It is crucial that patients participating in Novartis clinical studies know what to expect from us – Read more about our commitment to patients and caregivers

CONTINUING SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION

Novartis is committed to discovering new ways to improve and extend people's lives; a critical part of achieving this mission is through our extensive clinical trial programme.

On average, it takes 10 to 15 years to develop a new medicine7 and we continue to use science-based innovation to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues.

Over the last 5 years, Novartis has been actively developing new treatments for cardiovascular, ophthalmological, and respiratory diseases, skin and musculoskeletal conditions, various cancers, and some less prevalent and rare conditions. Through our research, advances for many diseases have been made possible, giving people in the UK and around the world alternative and improved treatment options.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION


For more information about all ongoing clinical trials, both in the UK and worldwide, please visit:

If you have experienced a medical side effect related to a Novartis product, please report it using the Novartis online system.

If you experience any problems with the site, you can telephone +44 (0)1276 698370.

If you need to report a Product Quality Complaint relating to a Novartis product, please email [email protected].

 

REFERENCES

  1. UK Clinical Research Collaboration. Understanding Clinical Trials. Available at: https://www.ukcrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/iCT_Booklet.pdf. Last accessed October 2020.
  2. National Institute for Health Research. Clinical Trials Guide. Available at: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/clinical-trials-guide/20595?pr=. Last accessed October 2020.
  3. Macmillan. Benefits and risks of taking part in a trial. Available at: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/treating/clinical-trials/can-and-should-i-take-part/benefits-and-risks.html#3657. Last accessed October 2020.
  4. NHS Choices. Clinical Trials. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Clinical-trials/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Last accessed October 2020.
  5. Cancer Research UK. Phases of clinical trials Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/find-a-clinical-trial/what-clinical-trials-are/phases-of-clinical-trials. Last accessed October 2020. 
  6.  Trialtrove® | Informa, 2020. Accessed September 2020. Ongoing trials in the past 10 years (ongoing between 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2019).
  7. Cancer Research UK. How long a new drug takes to go through clinical trials. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/find-a-clinical-trial/how-clinical-trials-are-planned-and-organised/how-long-it-takes-for-a-new-drug-to-go-through-clinical-trials Last Accessed October 2020.

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