"Global Clinical Trials Shift from Europe to US and China"

 

The focus of global clinical trials is shifting from Europe to the United States and China, according to a recent market analysis. IQVIA, a global healthcare consulting firm, released a report analyzing global clinical trials over the past five years. According to IQVIA, Western Europe was the region with the most clinical trials conducted last year, accounting for about 25% of all trials.

However, IQVIA's analysis indicates a significant decline in Western Europe's share compared to five years ago. The share of clinical trials in Western Europe decreased from 32% in 2019 to 25% in 2023. In the same period, North America's share increased from 19% to 23%, and China's share rose from 10% to 15%.

When comparing the number of clinical trials conducted by country over the past three years, a similar trend is observed. The United States (16% share) and China (13%) conducted the most trials as individual countries, followed by Australia, Spain, Canada, Germany, and the UK, each with around a 4% share. Japan, South Korea, and France each had about a 3% share.

These ten countries accounted for approximately 58% of all clinical trials conducted over the past five years. The Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization's Bio-Economy Research Center commented on this report, stating, “This report highlights the need for diversification in global clinical trials,” and emphasized, “Increasing usage in underutilized countries through investment and improvements is necessary.”

In the report, IQVIA also identified South Korea as a top-tier country for clinical trials, considering patient availability and operational readiness. Other top-tier countries included the United States, China, the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, and Italy.