AstraZeneca Philippines and AC Health, through the Healthway Medical Network, have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the country’s clinical trial infrastructure and research capabilities, potentially expanding Filipino patients’ access to innovative therapies and high-quality medical research.
The partnership combines AstraZeneca’s global clinical research expertise with AC Health’s integrated hospital network to assess and prepare healthcare facilities for clinical trials. Healthway Medical Network will evaluate participating institutions’ infrastructure, clinical capabilities and readiness, while AstraZeneca will provide technical expertise, training, trial opportunities and support for site readiness.
A key focus is building the technology, systems and processes needed to conduct clinical studies in line with recognized quality and Good Clinical Practice standards. Expanding the number of trial-ready facilities across Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao could also enable more patients to participate in clinical research closer to their communities.
AstraZeneca currently 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, covering areas including oncology, respiratory and immunology, and cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases.
The initiative also complements AstraZeneca’s partnership with De La Salle University to advance health research, talent development and industry-academe collaboration, creating a broader ecosystem for healthcare innovation and clinical research in the country.
