Conclusion
In order to conduct responsible, successful clinical trials in South Africa, an understanding of the differences that exist
among various populations, including socioeconomic factors, illiteracy, and language and cultural barriers, is crucial. An
awareness of the limited education and medical access for many vulnerable populations is also important, especially in light
of past studies that have ethically compromised these subject populations. Clinical research can be beneficial for both the
sponsor and the participants only when ethical international standards are maintained.
Considering the large and diverse number of subjects that can be recruited for clinical trials in South Africa, it is understandably
becoming an important research location. However, along with testing for safe and effective therapies, the opportunity to
improve the health status of many patient populations is great. In addition, the large populations devastated by infectious
diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria may greatly benefit from recent drug developments and clinical research being conducted
in South Africa.
Finally, according to many investigators, South Africa provides a better environment for trials than many other African nations.
So it can serve both as a model for clinical research in Africa and to help improve preventive care.
Karen Politis Virk, MS, is director of biotech and pharmaceutical research at Language Connections, 2001 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02135, email:
karen@languageconnections.com
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