Call for a Nordic ethics committee for clinical trials

At present, companies wishing to conduct clinical trials in the Nordic Region must submit their proposals to national ethics bodies in each of the countries. The establishment of a Nordic committee would mean that a single application would suffice, and the companies involved would save time and money, according to the Committee for Knowledge and Culture.

“The Nordic countries are good at conducting clinical trials but are often deemed too small in a fiercely competitive global industry. Acting as one would make the Region significantly more attractive,” says committee chair Johanna Karimäki of the Centre Group in the Nordic Council.

The Committee emphasises that the Nordic countries have good research infrastructure and access to a large number of health registers and biobanks, all of which presents unique opportunities to follow the effects of different medicines and makes the Nordic Region different from the rest of the world.

The Committee for Knowledge and Culture approved the proposal at its meeting in Reykjavik on 22 January. It also has the backing of the Committee for Welfare in the Nordic Region.

“The ability to conduct trials of new drugs is absolutely crucial to the health of future generations. Without good research the world makes no progress, and Nordic health research can be unique in the world,” says the chair of the Welfare Committee, Bente Stein Mathisen, a member of the Conservative Group in the Nordic Council.

The original proposal was submitted by the Nordic Council Conservative Group. It will now be put to the whole Nordic Council for a decision.