The Ontario Universal Agreement for Clinical Trials (UACT) is a standardized clinical trial agreement transforming how clinical trials are conducted in Ontario. Designed in collaboration with leading research institutions and industry sponsors on the Ontario Clinical Trials Leadership Table, the Ontario UACT streamlines the contracting process, accelerates trial start-up, and strengthens Ontario’s position as a leader in health research. Here are five key benefits to adopting this innovative agreement.
1. Faster Trial Activation
The Ontario UACT is designed to reduce clinical trial start-up times. By eliminating the need for lengthy contract negotiations, institutions and sponsors can move quickly from agreement to action—getting patients access to new treatments sooner.
2. Significant Cost and Time Savings
Legal negotiations for clinical trial agreements can be costly and time-consuming. The Ontario UACT provides a standardized, pre-negotiated contract that minimizes back-and-forth discussions, reducing administrative burdens and legal costs for all parties involved. This is especially important in the face of ongoing tariff talks and potential cost increases for both institutions and sponsors.
3. Consistency and Predictability
Using the same agreement across institutions and sponsors removes uncertainty in the negotiation process. With no unexpected contract modifications, all stakeholders can work with confidence, ensuring a smoother, more predictable trial start-up experience.
4. Expanding Patient Access to Clinical Trials
By streamlining contracting, the Ontario UACT makes it easier for hospitals and research centers across Ontario to participate in clinical trials regardless of size or resources. This means more opportunities for patients to access innovative treatments, supporting better healthcare outcomes across the province.
5. Strengthening Ontario’s Competitive Advantage
With a streamlined approach to clinical trial agreements, Ontario becomes an even more attractive destination for research investment. The Ontario UACT enhances Ontario’s global reputation as a leader in clinical research, helping to attract more trials, more funding, more innovation, and more opportunities for patients.
To learn more about how the UACT is transforming clinical trials in Ontario, watch Dr. Brad Wouters, Executive Vice President, Science and Research, University Health Network share key insights on the UACTs impact and benefits.
Ready to Adopt the UACT?
Reach out to us at quickstart@ctontario.ca. Our team is here to help with any inquiries you may have about the Ontario Universal Agreement for Clinical Trials. Access the annotated version to see what the UACT entails.