Turkey

Ascot Science

Ascot Science is an international consultancy and Contract Research Organisation (CRO) dedicated to advancing excellence in clinical development and regulatory science. Headquartered in Istanbul and serving clients across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Africa, Ascot Science delivers globally informed yet locally actionable solutions tailored to the unique needs of each partner.
With a mission to provide creative, user-centric, and solution-focused consultancy services, the company supports pharmaceutical organisations, medical departments, clinical operations teams, regulatory authorities, and patient advocacy groups worldwide. Its expertise spans Phase I–IV clinical trials and Post-Marketing Observational Studies, offering a truly end-to-end approach to product development.
Ascot Science has officially achieved ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 27001:2022 (Information Security Management Systems), and ISO 27701:2019 (Privacy Information Management Systems) certifications in September 2025. These internationally recognized standards are not just certifications — they represent Ascot’s unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, and patient safety. They reflect the trust Asco has built and Ascot’s dedication to advancing healthcare through reliable, ethical, and high-quality clinical research.
Renowned for its “One-Stop-Shop” structure and “Challenge Accepted” mindset, Ascot Science combines scientific rigour with agility empowering innovation, accelerating timelines, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Founder and CEO

ASLIGÜL KENDİRCİ PhD.Pharm.
Dr. Kendirci is a respected biotech and pharmaceutical executive with over 25 years of experience driving innovation in product development, regulatory science, and clinical research. Her leadership has shaped global programs at Roche, Abbott, and Bayer, where she played a pivotal role in advancing therapies from concept to market.
As the Founder and CEO of Ascot Science, an international consultancy and CRO with clients across the globe, she leads initiatives that accelerate patient access through scientific excellence and operational integrity. As strong advocate for collaboration between academia, industry, and regulators, Dr. Kendirci also serves as a visiting lecturer at İstinye University and Özyeğin Law Faculty, and sits on the Board of Trustees at Partners for Patients NGO.
Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to improving patient outcomes, fostering ethical innovation, and empowering the next generation of life-science leaders.

Regulatory

Türkiye has become one of the most attractive countries in the region for clinical trials, thanks to its strong healthcare infrastructure, experienced investigators, and large patient population. The country’s legislation is fully aligned with EMA and ICH-GCP standards, ensuring complete harmonization with international regulatory requirements.

In Türkiye, submissions to the Ethics Committee (EC) and the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) are made in parallel. However, the Ministry requires the EC approval to be submitted to TİTCK before granting final authorization. For multicentric trials, only the approval of the EC of the coordinating site is necessary. The typical EC review period is 2–4 weeks, while TİTCK’s regulatory review is generally completed within 4-6 weeks. The overall approval process usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks.

Clinical trial data quality in Türkiye is high, and local sites have successfully passed multiple international audits and inspections. Importation of investigational medicinal products requires import permits issued by TİTCK, which can typically be obtained within 2–5 business days. These procedures are well-defined and conducted in accordance with international standards.

Official links

https://www.titck.gov.tr/faaliyetalanlari/ilac/klinik-arastirmalar

Pharmaceutical Industry & Clinical Trials Market – Türkiye

The Republic of Türkiye has become an attractive location for clinical trials over the past two decades due to its strategic geographical position, large and diverse patient population, and alignment with international standards. With a population exceeding 85 million, Türkiye offers high patient recruitment potential, experienced investigators, and strong healthcare infrastructure. Both global and local pharmaceutical companies conduct clinical research in Türkiye thanks to numerous advantages the country has to offer:

• Full compliance with ICH-GCP and EU regulations
• Clear and structured regulatory framework under the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK)
• Parallel submission process to Ethics Committee and TİTCK, enabling efficient start-up timelines
• Import permit and local depot options available; streamlined customs and IP management processes
• High-quality data widely accepted by EMA and FDA inspections
• Rapid regulatory approval timelines – typically 60–90 days for study start-up
• Qualified investigators and medical sites experienced in international clinical studies
• Motivated site teams and patients ensuring high retention and compliance rates
• Recognized international standards for disease treatment, data integrity, and patient safety.

Türkiye has one of the most developed pharmaceutical industries in the region, with over 100 pharmaceutical manufacturers and more than 500 R&D centers. Local production covers about 50% of the domestic market, while the country exports pharmaceuticals to over 180 countries, including the EU, Middle East, and CIS region. The pharmaceutical market is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Health and TİTCK, ensuring compliance with global quality and safety standards.

Medical System in Türkiye

Ankara, İstanbul, and other major cities in Türkiye have medical centers that meet the highest international standards. The Turkish government provides a comprehensive, publicly financed healthcare system that ensures access to medical services for the entire population. The General Health Insurance (GHI) system, introduced under the Social Security Institution (SGK), guarantees universal healthcare coverage for all citizens and residents.

The national healthcare system offers extensive benefits including primary, secondary, and tertiary care services, as well as access to essential medicines. Public hospitals, university hospitals, and private healthcare facilities operate in coordination to deliver high-quality medical services across the country.

The Ministry of Health (T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı) oversees the planning, regulation, and supervision of all healthcare services in Türkiye. It is responsible for funding, licensing, and monitoring both public and private healthcare providers. Over the past decade, Türkiye has made significant progress in developing a modern healthcare infrastructure, with many well-equipped city hospitals (şehir hastaneleri) and regional health centers established throughout the country.

Citizens also have access to a wide network of private hospitals and clinics offering complementary services to the public system. Every medical care provider in Türkiye functions under the regulations of the Ministry of Health, ensuring compliance with international quality and safety standards.