As 2020 begins, GCT expands its operations in Asia, adding the Republic of Kazakhstan to its map. Dr. Oleg Kurilov is appointed the GCT General Director in Kazakhstan. He specializes in surgery, urology and nephrology and has a broad expertise working in clinical trials.
Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has a population of over 18 million people. It is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth largest country in the world. Kazakhstan is part of The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Among many economic and political areas, the union regulates and unifies the pharmaceutical and clinical trials industry. This includes an easier registration of drugs and medical devices, accelerated approval timelines, and a simplified customs and logistics process in other member countries. These advantages make Kazakhstan attractive for both regional and global companies.
In December 2019, the government of Kazakhstan approved the state program for the development and improvement of the country’s Healthcare System for 2020-2050. A significant part of the program is devoted to increasing the number of clinical trials and bringing international clinical trials into the country. Currently, it takes 1 month to receive the approval for a clinical study from the Regulatory Authority. The submission to the Ethics Committee is performed in parallel. This allows study sites to open in just 1.5 months, providing no questions are raised by either authority. It is also worth to mention that all regulatory documentation can be submitted in the Russian language.
«Providing the high quality clinical trial services is always our top priority, and expanding to new regions enhances our operational capabilities. Kazakhstan is a rapidly developing country that is fully compliant with GCP. It is a great option to consider Kazakhstan for a global study to have a diverse patient population and fast enrollment. We are excited to offer this new region to our clients,» — GCT CEO, Dr. Eugene Selivra.