Ontario has taken a pioneering step to accelerate the initiation of clinical trials with a new Universal Agreement for Clinical Trials (UACT) for Ontario. Developed by Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO) and the Ontario Leadership Table for Clinical Trials, the UACT is a contract with non-negotiable language that aims to accelerate trial start-up timelines, improve access to clinical trials, and support faster delivery of research outcomes and patient treatments.
“The Ontario UACT represents a major advancement towards our shared goal of activating clinical trials within 45 days, helping ensure our province remains at the forefront of global medical research,” said Dr. Bradly Wouters, Chair of the Ontario Leadership Table for Clinical Trials, and Executive Vice-President of Science and Research at University Health Network. “By cutting down on administrative delays, we’re helping trial sponsors and researchers focus on what they do best—innovate to improve patient care.”
Created through extensive collaboration with legal and contract experts from Ontario’s most research-intensive hospitals, the Ontario UACT provides a balanced, fair and consistent agreement. By simplifying legal and administrative requirements, it minimizes the time and resources typically required for contract negotiations.
“This universal agreement is a game-changer for Ontario’s clinical trials ecosystem,” noted Dr. Shurjeel Choudhri, Senior Vice President and Head of Medical and Scientific Affairs, Bayer Inc. “It gives our teams the ability to launch trials faster and deliver life-changing therapies to patients more efficiently while ensuring the highest ethical and quality standards.”
The Ontario UACT is the first step in a visionary refresh of CTO’s QuickSTART program, supported by the Government of Ontario as part of phase two of the province’s life sciences strategy. Additional program elements are currently in the planning and development stage, including budget and informed consent templates.
“The UACT is an essential tool in the new QuickSTART toolbox to improve trial start-up processes and ensure we remain competitive as a destination for global clinical trials,” said Susan Marlin, President and CEO of Clinical Trials Ontario. “We are grateful to the many people who shared their time and expertise in support of this effort, and we thank the government for its commitment to creating more accessible and beneficial clinical trials opportunities for Ontarians.”
Learn more about the Ontario Universal Agreement for Clinical Trials here.