#Coronavirus - Commission issues guidance to mitigate clinical trial disruption in the EU

The Commission has published guidance to ensure that clinical trials can continue taking place in the EU during the coronavirus pandemic. The aim is to mitigate the disruption of clinical research in Europe and therefore the negative effects of the pandemic, without compromising on quality and safety. Key recommendations of the guidance cover the distribution of medicines to patients in clinical trials, remote verification of raw data, and communication to authorities.

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides (pictured) said: “We are in the midst of the worst pandemic in recent memory and it is absolutely crucial that we show flexibility in our rules to maintain research on critical treatments, including chronic and rare diseases, through clinical trials. Developing and deploying effective diagnostics, treatments and a vaccine will also undoubtedly be the most important breakthrough to stop the coronavirus. On 4 May, our international pledging conference will kick-start global co-operation and support for this work, with the aim to raise €7.5 billion in funding to the benefit of the global community. Together in solidarity, we will prevail.”

This guidance remains an important part of the overall strategy in finding treatments and a vaccine to protect citizens against coronavirus. A press release is available online. Further information is available on the Commission's dedicated coronavirus response webpage.

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