The number of clinical trials to evaluate pharmaceuticals in Ukraine fell by 25% in 2015 compared to 2014, the European Business Association (EBA) has reported.

According to the association, if in 2014 the State Expert Center approved 188 clinical trials, in 2015 it was 144, and in H1 2016 – 68.

"We see a large decline in the number of clinical trials – by 25% compared to 2014. We link it with the complicated political situation, the absence of reforms in healthcare in general. This is also linked to the forced movement of clinical trial projects from eastern Ukraine and Crimea to other Ukrainian regions," the EBA said.

According to the internal statistics collected by the EBA Health Care Committee, over 10,000 patients are treated in Ukraine as part of the international clinical trials.

The association said that the analysis of clinical trials over the past four years showed that trials in oncology, psychiatrics, neurology, pulmonology and rheumatology are conduced most of all.

The EBA said that some 15-20% of clinical trials are conducted by Ukrainian pharmaceutical manufacturers. Around 10 or 20 Ukrainian companies carry out the pre-registration trials.

Today, the clinical trials sector is developed only by 15-20% in Ukraine, the EBA said.

Commenting on Ukraine's participation in international clinical trials, the EBA experts said that the country could have been more attractive for clinical trials.

Only 0.5 clinical trial per 100,000 of population in Ukraine are conducted, while in Poland the figure is 2.1, Hungary – 4.9, France – 6.3, Austria – 9.2 and Canada – 9.7.

"Seriously ill patients in these countries have more chances to be examined, have consultations of specialists, get innovative treatment and therapy," the EBA said.

The EBA believes that Ukraine should settle some issues to stimulate clinical trials in Ukraine: improve legislation regarding the terms for approving the trials, revoke VAT for imports of pharmaceuticals for clinical trials and introduce the e-document flow.