Speech by Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Health at the SCRI 3rd Annual Scientific Symposium

Associate Professor John Lim,
Chairman of the Board for the Singapore Clinical Research Institute and the National Health Innovation Centre

Associate Professor Teoh Yee Leong,
CEO of SCRI

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning

Introduction 

            It is my pleasure to be here at the third Annual Scientific Symposium organised by the Singapore Clinical Research Institute. I last attended SCRI’s conference in 2015, during the launch of the SG50 commemorative book which documented the 50-year journey of Singapore’s leadership in clinical research. Today, I am glad to see that the event continues to bring together clinical researchers and academics to engage in the exchange of ideas and insights in clinical research. 

The Importance of Clinical Research 

2          Clinical research encompasses the discovery of new drugs and therapeutics for disease, as well as the study of existing drug and therapeutic options for new indications. Through the generation of new research ideas to address evolving areas of clinical need, we can discover and develop potential new treatment options for patients. 

3          As Singapore’s population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases increases, we need to build a future-ready and sustainable healthcare system to meet these challenges. Clinical research leading to translation and sustainable solutions enables us to make the best use of our limited resources, while ensuring that the care delivered is appropriate to the patient’s needs. This is aligned with the transformation shifts identified by the Ministry of Health, and in particular, to move Beyond Quality to Value. 

Important Clinical Research Outcomes 

4          SCRI’s partnership with the healthcare organisations has yielded important research outcomes that have shown potential for translation to sustainable solutions to meet our growing healthcare needs. 

5          One such research outcome is the Adult Dengue Platelet (ADEPT) study on platelet transfusion for dengue patients, which is led by Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Platelet transfusion was routinely given to dengue patients with low platelet count. The ADEPT study showed that platelet transfusion is not necessary for patients with uncomplicated dengue infection. With this finding, the platelet supplies can be redirected to patients with more urgent need for platelet transfusion. 

6          The Asia-Pacific HepatoCellular Carcinoma (AHCC06) study led by the National Cancer Centre Singapore is another study which has shown important outcomes. This study compared two different treatment options, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, for patients with primary liver cancer in 11 countries in Asia-Pacific. The trial completed its recruitment in the middle of last year, and has shown that a one-time radiation therapy resulted in fewer side effects in patients compared to twice-daily oral chemotherapy. Presented at the recent prestigious American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, the finding will enable doctors in Asia Pacific to make better treatment decisions. 

7          I would also like to highlight an ongoing study, the Atropine for the Treatment of Myopia (ATOM) studies. The completed ATOM2 study showed that treatment with low-dose atropine can slow down the progression of myopia. The team in the Singapore Eye Research Institute has commenced the ATOM3 study which is a continuation of the earlier study to look into effects of atropine in preventing childhood myopia. This new study hopes to find a preventive option to childhood myopia in Singapore. 

Existing Support for Clinical Research 

8          The National Medical Research Council (NMRC), under MOH will continue to provide funding to strengthen the clinical research landscape in Singapore through its research grants and human capital awards that support translational and clinical research. 

9          The theme for this year’s symposium is “Advancing Clinical Research through Expertise Development”. Skilled professionals such as the clinical research coordinators (CRCs) play an important role in supporting doctors and principal investigators in the execution of quality clinical research that meets international standards. The CRCs would need to work with the patients during patient screening, explain the trial procedures and details to the patients during recruitment and keep proper documentation of the patients’ and trial information.  They play a key role in ensuring good patient recruitment, which is critical to the success of clinical trials. 

10        We see the importance in nurturing and developing this group of professionals.  Under the Research, Innovation, Enterprise or RIE 2020 plan, MOH has allocated $35 million to maintain a steady pipeline of qualified CRCs through funding the salaries of 100 CRCs for the next five years and the implementation of national training and certification programmes. 

11        Today, I am proud to launch the SCRI Academy, a virtual training academy which will house the training efforts for these CRCs. The first programme under the academy is slated to start by March 2018. The programme trains existing CRCs with less than one year experience through hands-on practice and classroom exercises. SCRI will also work with Workforce Singapore (WSG) on a professional conversion programme targeting mid-career switchers with no clinical research background. 

Conclusion 

12        Clinical research plays a critical role in our search for healthcare solutions that are appropriate to our population’s needs, and facilitates the development of better care options for our patients. Our national support for CRCs will add value to the clinical trial landscape while advancing Singapore’s capability in clinical research. 

13        In closing, let me congratulate SCRI once again on the formation of the new academy. I wish you all a fruitful and enriching time ahead at this symposium.