The new flagship UniSC Clinical Trials facility at Maroochy Private Hospital is now giving more people access to emerging therapies while contributing to the next generation of medical advancements.
Recruitment for its first two studies is underway - one for people aged 18 to 65 for cancer-related therapies, and the second focused on knee osteoarthritis for people aged over 40.
Purpose-built on Level 5 of Maroochy Private Hospital, the partnership supports a growing pipeline of local and international clinical trials that connect Sunshine Coast patients, clinicians and researchers with global pharmaceutical innovation.
UniSC Clinical Trials Director Lucas Litewka said the facility represented a significant milestone for the organisation - now in its 11th year of operation after more than 300 trials - and for the Sunshine Coast's healthcare sector.
"For 10 years, we have connected local participants with global investigational therapies while providing international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies access to the region's outstanding clinical expertise," Mr Litewka said.
"This facility reflects everything we have learned. It is purpose-designed around participant experience, clinical quality and operational excellence, ensuring the Sunshine Coast can continue to play a meaningful role in advancing healthcare globally.
"Many of today's standard treatments were once clinical trials. We are now working on the next generation treatments to help address obesity challenges, eye health conditions, and women's health issues.
"This year we aim to deliver more than 80 trials focused on community needs in South-East Queensland."
Supported by a workforce of more than 160 staff, including 19 doctors, the organisation has become one of Australia's leading clinical trial providers.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the trials centre would connect more broadly with the University's world-class health experts to ensure new knowledge was quickly applied to teaching and research.
"UniSC health experts, researchers and students will have even greater opportunity to be at the forefront of new medical solutions across all phases of development," Professor Bartlett said.
"This will include trials that are of particular interest to our communities, such as potential medications and treatments to address mental health, coeliac disease, dementia, metabolic diseases like diabetes, eye health, osteoarthritis and various trials for neurological conditions."
The new facility is one of two UniSC Clinical Trials locations equipped to accommodate participants for overnight and multi-day stays, significantly expanding its ability to conduct more complex and early-phase research studies.
Fortius Hospitals Director Warwick Crosby said the inclusion of UniSC Clinical Trials reinforces Maroochy Private Hospital's position as more than a traditional healthcare facility.
"From the outset, our vision was to create a destination healthcare precinct that combines outstanding patient care with research, innovation and education," Mr Crosby said.
"When an organisation that has delivered hundreds of clinical trials and built a workforce of more than 160 people chooses to establish its flagship facility within Maroochy Private Hospital, it speaks to the calibre of infrastructure, technology and ambition being delivered here.
"This partnership means patients, clinicians and researchers will have access to opportunities that have traditionally been concentrated in larger metropolitan centres, while helping establish the Sunshine Coast as a recognised destination for healthcare excellence and medical innovation."
The partnership is expected to attract additional clinicians, researchers and support staff to the region while creating new opportunities for collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers and industry partners.
