At the conference, more than 20 experts – leading researchers, representatives of patient organizations, managers of medical institutions, employees of state institutions, drug manufacturers and research contract organizations – will discuss the current affairs in research, quality, new opportunities and challenges in the changing geopolitical and legal conditions. The conference will be opened by the Minister of Health Hosam Abu Meri.
“Clinical research is an extremely important part of the health care system of every modern developed country. First, by researching new drugs or devices, we use scientific techniques to gain better weapons in the fight against diseases and pathologies that are constantly evolving and transforming. As diseases develop, we need to find new treatment methods,” explains the author of the conference idea and leading researcher of many international studies prof. Dainis Krievins.
Prof. D. Krieviņš continues: “Second, the biggest beneficiaries are our patients. By participating in research, they are “under a magnifying glass” under medical care with regular visits and additional laboratory analyses, they receive the most modern possible medications for the treatment of the specific pathology, which are very expensive or are not yet available in Latvia. Thirdly, the beneficiaries are doctors. In clinical trials, doctors and nurses must work to a common clinical standard called good clinical practice. It raises the qualification of doctors and creates an opportunity to show at the international level what we are able to do in Latvia. Also, the treatment within the study must always meet the highest global standards.”
Jana Migliniece, the head of the Clinical Research Department of the State Medicines Agency says: “I would like to emphasize that the conduct of clinical research, the safety of participants and the fairness of the study are monitored by a number of regulatory institutions, including the State Medicines Agency, research ethics committees, as well as the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration and drug administration. Research should be followed Good clinical practice guidelines. It should be noted that a significantly different regulation has entered into force in the European Union, and the parties involved must apply it. The conference will also have an educational role in the research environment.”
Ophthalmologist, prof. Guna Laganovska says: “Unfortunately, eye diseases sooner or later affect a large part of society. A lot of new and effective drug research is taking place in the world and we have the opportunity to participate in them – in this way, we have prevented irreversible deterioration of vision for a large number of patients. This happens at the expense of the industry, not the state budget. Research with the latest drugs, well-developed protocols and a qualified team is a benefit for both patients and doctors, and it is a real satisfaction for me and my colleagues at Stradins Hospital to see that the progression of the patient’s disease is stopped or at least slowed down.”
Associations of oncology patient organizations Oncoalliance in the founded Olga Valcinia emphasizes: “The patient is the main thing in research – if there is no patient, there is no research. Without the involvement and support of patients, research cannot progress. Therefore, thoughtful, ethical research that promotes the health and well-being of the patient is very necessary and supported.”
“Clinical research takes place not only in Riga, but also in regional hospitals. In Daugavpils, they take place in various specialties. It is a great opportunity for patients living in Latgale to receive modern therapy, and for our doctors to supplement their knowledge, research competences and live with the times, which is very important in medicine,” he says. Edgars Labsvīrs, Ltd Daugavpils Regional Hospital Member of the Board.
Kaspar Losans, Roche Latvia Medical director: “As an innovative medical solutions company, we carry out research in various fields. Among them, I would especially like to highlight the research of therapeutic possibilities in the fields of malignant tumors, ophthalmology and neurodegenerative diseases, including rare diseases. It should be emphasized that our experience in working with Latvian researchers shows that the doctors of our country have a high potential, which should be evaluated and further developed. Such thematic conferences are a great opportunity to discuss, search for solutions to problems and jointly achieve progress in clinical research.”
On the other hand, the head of the Internal Clinic of Stradiņa Hospital, prof. Valdis Pīrāgs states: “Research and science must be humane. It has to come out of the laboratories and become available to the person, the patient and also the doctor. If this can be done, research acquires additional value and importance in improving public health, quality of life and survival. We will also discuss this task today.”
It is possible to familiarize yourself with the conference program HERE.
The conference takes place in the Hotel Bellevue Park Hotel RigaSlokas Street 1, Riga.
Tags: highlevel conference clinical research held Latvia time
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