AstraZeneca Philippines and AC Health are joining forces to strengthen the country’s capacity to conduct clinical trials, with the partnership aiming to bring research opportunities and potential access to innovative therapies closer to more Filipino patients.
The companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding that brings together AstraZeneca’s clinical research expertise and AC Health’s network of hospitals and healthcare professionals through the Healthway Medical Network.
The partnership will initially focus on assessing hospitals and healthcare facilities within the network for their readiness to participate in clinical trials. This includes evaluating infrastructure, clinical capabilities and research systems, while helping train investigators and clinical teams in internationally recognized quality and Good Clinical Practice standards.
The goal is to expand the number and geographic reach of trial-ready facilities beyond traditional research centers, potentially allowing more patients, including those outside major urban areas, to participate in clinical studies.
“This partnership can expand patient access, strengthen local research, and improve standards of care,” said Lotis Ramin, country president of AstraZeneca Philippines.
AstraZeneca said it has more than 30 ongoing clinical trials in the Philippines and has invested more than P3 billion in local clinical research over the past six years. Its studies cover cancer, respiratory and immune-related conditions, as well as cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic diseases.
Under the agreement, the Healthway Medical Network will evaluate participating facilities, identify suitable sites and stakeholders, and help build their capacity for clinical research. AstraZeneca, meanwhile, will provide technical expertise and training, share potential trial opportunities and support site readiness and accreditation.
AC Health Chief Strategy and Investment Officer RJ Recio said the collaboration is intended not only to introduce new medical technologies and programs but also to build the capabilities of local hospitals and physicians to take part in clinical research.
The Healthway Medical Network operates across Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao and includes full-service and specialty facilities, including Healthway Cancer Care Hospital. The network’s reach could help broaden the pool of investigators and research teams while allowing clinical trials to involve a more geographically diverse group of Filipino patients.
The companies emphasized that individual clinical studies will still be subject to scientific, ethical, regulatory and feasibility requirements.
The collaboration is part of AstraZeneca Philippines’ broader efforts to develop the country’s healthcare innovation ecosystem. In May, the pharmaceutical company and De La Salle University announced a partnership involving the DLSU Laguna Campus Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology Park, aimed at advancing health research, talent development and industry-academe collaboration.
While that initiative focuses on developing health innovations, the new partnership with AC Health is aimed at strengthening the clinical infrastructure needed to test such innovations and potentially bring new treatment options to Filipino patients.
(MAIN PHOTO: Present during the MOU signing were (from left) Sam Necesito Dungao (SMM Country Lead) and Lotis Ramin (Country President) for AstraZeneca Philippines, RJ Recio (Chief Strategy and Investment Officer) and Ruby Chiong (Chief Financial Officer) for AC Health).