The fifth annual working meeting of specialists of the Department of Expert Evaluation of Preclinical and Clinical Trial Materials of the Center with representatives of the clinical research department of the international pharmaceutical company MSD was held at the Center.
The focus of the discussion was the key achievements of 2025 and further areas of interaction for 2026 in order to develop clinical trials in Ukraine.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Director of the Center for Health Technology Assessment and Clinical Research Yevheniia Ishkova. The discussion was attended by heads and experts of the units for preliminary and specialized expert evaluation of clinical trial materials, expert evaluation of the quality of clinical trial materials, coordination of the work of local ethics committees and monitoring of adverse reactions.
During the meeting, representatives of MSD, led by the Deputy General Director for Clinical Research of MSD Ukraine LLC in Ukraine, Georgia and the CIS countries Serhii Mykhailov, presented the company's experience over the five-year period of activity in Ukraine and discussed current issues of strengthening interaction with the Center.
Particular attention was paid to the financial and organizational aspects of conducting clinical trials, the implementation of promising IT solutions in the field of clinical trials, and the entry of information into the approved template of informed consent of study subjects.
Among the plans for 2026, they discussed involving company representatives in the Center's training events on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the possibility of participating in the Center's pilot initiative programmes.
During the meeting, Yevheniia Ishkova emphasized the importance of systematic cooperation with international sponsors of clinical research for the development of clinical science and practice in Ukraine:
"International pharmaceutical companies play a key role in the development of clinical trials in Ukraine, the introduction of innovative approaches and ensuring patients' access to modern treatment. MSD is one of the leading sponsors of clinical research and a reliable partner of the Center. We highly value openness to dialogue, close cooperation and support for our joint projects even in the difficult conditions of wartime," she noted.
For information, during 2025 year, among the clinical trials conducted by MSD Ukraine, the MoH approved for conduct in Ukraine 10 CTs (key therapeutic areas – oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology), and the conduct of 9 CTs was started. Currently, another 2 CTs are awaiting the start of conduct, and 2 CTs are under review at the Center.
MSD is one of the international investors in innovative treatment and an active sponsor of clinical trials in Ukraine. The company focuses its activities in such therapeutic areas as oncology, immunology, neurology, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and vaccines. For its contribution to the development of clinical trials, investment in scientific programs, and providing patients with access to modern treatment methods, the company was honored with the national Panacea Award in 2025.
