Clinical Trials Roadmap Reveals Bold Research Vision
The Cook Government has today launched Western Australia’s first Clinical Trials Roadmap to drive innovation, enhance clinical trials, and improve health outcomes for patients in the State and beyond.
The launch took place at the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Open Day in Busselton, co-hosted by the Busselton Population Medical Research Institute, owners of the landmark Busselton Health Study.
With more than 50 years of high-quality health data, Busselton Health Study is an example of WA-led medical research that has contributed to breakthroughs across a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, respiratory illness, and sleep disorders.
Developed through extensive consultation, the WA Clinical Trials Roadmap sets out a plan to build a strong clinical trials ecosystem that brings together universities, hospitals, medical research institutes, industry sponsors, consumers, and the WA Health system.
Clinical trials are an essential component of high-performing health systems, where cutting-edge new approaches to treatment, diagnosis and prevention can be tested to drive continuous improvement in health care.
This ensures patients receive the best evidence-based care available through projects like the HYPE trial and LEVERAGE study among others.
The HYPE trial, led by Royal Perth Hospital’s Associate Professor Andy Toner, is investigating the effectiveness of the medication Roxadustat in reducing complications after major surgery.
The trial aims to enhance patient recovery, shorten hospital stays, and set the foundation for safer surgical practices globally.
Professor Chan Cheah from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is leading the LEVERAGE study, testing a new drug combination for follicular lymphoma, a cancer characterised by tumour cells that appear in a circular or clump-like pattern under the microscope.
The researchers hope the innovative drug will prove to be an effective treatment for follicular lymphoma, with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy, offering patients an effective but better tolerated alternative to routine treatments.
Further information about the WA Clinical Trials Roadmap is available here: WA Clinical Trials Roadmap .
As stated by Medical Research and Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The WA Clinical Trials Roadmap is a bold strategy to take our State’s clinical research to new heights by empowering our talented researchers and building global partnerships.
“The Roadmap will deliver innovative, evidence-based treatments and make a real difference for the people of WA and beyond.
“The Cook Government is committed to building a strong clinical trials ecosystem that attracts investment, improves care, and puts WA at the forefront of personalised, precision medicine.”
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“The Clinical Trials Roadmap will ultimately improve health outcomes not only for Western Australians, but interstate and international patients who’ll all benefit from the medical breakthroughs made here in WA.
“We want to see and support more local projects like the HYPE trial and LEVERAGE study, and this Roadmap sets out our plan to do it.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/Clinical-Trials-Roadmap-unveils-bold-vision-for-medical-research–20250515