Expansion of clinical trials still blocked by lack of regulations

Over 400 clinical trials of new drugs are conducted every year in Poland. If pharmaceutical companies invest more in professional equipment and adjust to EU's standards, the number of trials may dramatically increase in the following years and invite more investors. The national level of research and medical staff is excellent, but in order to overcome competition from Greece, Spain or Portugal, which can be equally attractive as far as prices are concerned, the Health Ministry has to speed up work on finalizing formal testing procedures. Sector experts say that, based on the first report on clinical trials in Poland, pharmaceutical producers have already spent around zł.1 billion, and in a few year's time annual investments may reach a similar level as that in Spain, which is about EUR 240 million. (Puls Biznesu, p. 7) J.J.