Expanding clinical trials in Africa

The importance of diverse representation in clinical trials cannot be overstated. It’s only by fostering an inclusive approach that we can gain a better understanding of disease outcomes and drug responses across a varied population. That’s why Roche is partnering with others to overcome barriers to participation, diversify genetic data and improve access to innovative solutions.

This increased clinical research will lead to the following:

• better health outcomes for African patients;
• increased access to healthcare;
• improved political support for healthcare spending;
• opportunities to include underrepresented populations in genomic and biomarker research. 

In order to expand access to innovative diagnostics and treatments in Africa through clinical research, Roche aims to build trusted partnerships across various therapeutic areas. We want to increase the number of countries involved in clinical trials and—by collaborating with stakeholders—build sustainable ecosystems for clinical research, providing vital learnings for the company and benefiting patients in those countries.

Roche has introduced innovative trial designs in Africa, particularly in oncology, to enhance the understanding of drug effectiveness in specific populations. The use of genomics, in particular, is seen as vital in developing personalised healthcare (PHC) solutions based on precise, individual information. That’s why we’re supporting research through the African Genomics Program, catalysing African engagement in genomic and clinical research, and through Foundation Medicine, a genomic sequencing platform that’s part of the Roche organisation.

We also collaborate with patients, caregivers, health and technology companies and governments to deliver more tailored healthcare options.

Building sustainable partnerships, capacities and infrastructure

To foster inclusive research, Roche is focusing on sustainable partnerships, capacity building and investing in infrastructure for trial-site governance. We want to ensure that medical advances are not only accessible but also aligned with local health technology assessment requirements and affordability. It’s therefore important to invest in various data types such as Real World Data (RWD), Non-Interventional Studies (NIS) and Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS).

Collaborating with external stakeholders and international research centres is central to this process. Roche is actively forming partnerships with national and international research institutions to generate local data that can inform decision-making based on specific country needs. For instance, we are collaborating with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre and the Uganda Cancer Institute on a trial focused on paediatric lymphoma.

Building capacity and infrastructure for clinical research is also crucial to meet international standards and increase confidence. So, Roche is investing in the development of four Centres of Excellence in clinical research across different countries. These will strengthen the capabilities of investigators and lab technicians, and support the establishment of infrastructure necessary for conducting clinical trials.

A vital boost to research

The overall aim is to create an environment conducive to research at all stages, from early phase to late phase trials. Early phase trials offer early access to innovative treatments—particularly valuable for patients with limited treatment options or rare diseases. Additionally, these trials provide educational opportunities for healthcare professionals to gain hands-on experience with emerging therapies before wider availability.

All trials conducted by Roche in Africa adhere to international standards, local regulations, and data privacy regulations, allowing any data collected to contribute to global research and the advancement of medicine worldwide.