Ukraine must remain competitive for international clinical trials even in times of war – as this directly affects patients' access to innovative treatment, the development of the medical system and the scientific potential of the state.
This was the focus of a working meeting at the State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine with the participation of representatives of pharmaceutical companies, CROs, professional associations and the legal community.
The State Expert Center was represented at the meeting by Center Director Edem Adamanov, Deputy Director for HTA and Clinical Research Yevheniia Ishkova, and the management and experts of the Department for Expert Evaluation of Preclinical and Clinical Trial Materials.
During the meeting, industry representatives presented analytical and statistical data on the current state of clinical trials in Ukraine, their economic impact on the healthcare system and the state's economy, and also outlined the key challenges currently faced by applicants, sponsors and research infrastructure.
Particular attention was paid to:
- Ukraine's competitiveness in the global allocation of clinical trials;
- regulatory review timelines;
- digitalization of processes;
- risk-oriented approaches;
- harmonization with European practices;
- improvement of the regulatory framework.
During the meeting, practical steps for the further development of the field were also discussed. In particular, the digitalization of processes and the implementation of electronic solutions were addressed.
As is known, since April 2026 Ukraine has had the possibility of submitting electronic applications for clinical trials and substantial amendments through the Single Window of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. This made it possible to ensure full online support of the process – from the submission of an application to its approval.
In addition, work continues on improving the electronic Register of Clinical Trials in Ukraine. The Center has currently developed a new interface for the platform, and work is also underway to improve the mechanisms for searching and displaying information.
The meeting participants agreed that the further development of the field of clinical trials requires predictable regulatory approaches and joint work of the state and the market.
On the part of the Center, openness to professional dialogue, proposals and expert initiatives was emphasized, as well as the Center's readiness to be a platform for developing joint solutions in the field of clinical trials.
Despite the difficult wartime conditions, Ukraine has preserved its professional potential, expert environment and capacity to conduct clinical trials in accordance with international standards.
Ukraine must remain a full-fledged part of the international clinical research system – because Ukrainian patients, the healthcare system and the development of modern medicine in general need this.
