About Clinical Trials
The Skin Health Institute’s clinical trial unit has a well-established and highly regarded reputation as the leading centre for dermatology research in Australia. Essential to the Institute’s purpose of providing world-class evidence-based dermatology treatment, the clinical trials unit has been at the forefront of research for over 30 years and participated in over 150 clinical trials that have resulted in many successful therapies now readily available in Australia. These medications or interventions include Advanced Targeted Therapies for psoriasis, eczema and hidradenitis suppurativa, treatments for skin cancer and actinic keratosis and medication for the treatment of rosacea and chronic spontaneous urticaria.
Our Research Director, Associate Professor Peter Foley, a world-renowned Key Opinion Leader in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis leads the clinical trial team. He is supported by senior dermatologists and clinical researchers Associate Professor Chris Baker, who is also Director of the Department of Dermatology at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, and Associate Professor Alvin Chong, who is the head of the Transplant Clinic at the Institute.
Our clinical trials team consists of experienced nurses, coordinators and support staff as well as a full-time Clinical Trial Research Fellow. The whole team are dedicated to providing innovative treatment options to our patients and more broadly, to our community.
Follow our Clinical Trials Facebook page to keep up with all of our currently recruiting trials, interesting participant stories, and more.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL TRIAL?
Clinical trials are research studies involving humans that are undertaken to investigate new ways of treating, preventing, detecting or diagnosing disease or medical conditions. Clinical trials may also involve testing interventions already available on the market for further improvement.
Clinical trials may be interventional or observational.
Interventional trials can involve testing with new experimental drugs, behavioural therapies, educational interventions, medical devices or other preventative care strategies-eg diet and lifestyle modifications.
Observational trials observe and assess health outcomes in patients allocated to already approved interventions, based on clinical decisions.
Clinical trials help determine if treatments or interventions are safe and if they produce the intended and desired outcome/result.
WHY ARE CLINICAL TRIALS IMPORTANT?
Clinical trials are vital in proving the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and interventions to prevent, detect, treat or manage various medical conditions. They help us improve the way we manage disease now, and in the future.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
It’s important for researchers to show that the outcomes of a clinical trial are not happening by chance. To ensure this, participants are limited to certain groups with specific characteristics and must meet all eligibility requirements. Participation is voluntary and you should never feel forced or coerced to participate in a clinical trial. Carefully consider all the information about the trial to ensure that participating in a trial is right for you. You may also find it helpful to discuss your potential participation with family, friends or your local doctor.
For more information about participating in a clinical trial click on the link https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au
