Clinical Trial Activity Report (CTAR) 2025

International investment grows in Australian clinical trials

Global investment in the Australian clinical trials sector increased in 2025 according to Bellberry’s Clinical Trials Activity Report (CTAR) released today.

Data contained in the 2025 CTAR shows there’s been growth in investment from the USA, Europe (including the UK), China and the rest of Asia.

Since 2019, Bellberry has issued the CTAR which gives an overview of the portfolio of research that is reviewed by Bellberry HRECs. The CTAR is released each year to celebrate International Clinical Trials Day (20 May).

The CTAR shows that in 2025 Bellberry supported 42% of CTN Clinical Trials in Australia through the work of its Human Research Ethics Committees.

Bellberry’s CEO, Kylie Sproston, says the latest report highlights Australia’s strong standing internationally as a destination for clinical trials. “International investment in all clinical trials reviewed by Bellberry, rose by 9% in 2025, indicating global confidence in Australia’s ability to deliver in this area,” said Ms Sproston.

“We are recognised for our world-class medical research, our robust regulatory framework as well as our efficient and rigorous HREC processes.

“At a time of global economic uncertainty, it’s reassuring to see that international demand is strong and growing for Australia’s delivery of clinical trials,” said Ms Sproston

The 2025 CTAR shows that more than two thirds of the clinical trials conducted in Australia and reviewed by Bellberry, are funded internationally.

“The USA continued to be the largest single country contributor, followed by Australia and China for all trials,” said Ms Sproston.

“In therapeutic areas, oncology remains dominant accounting for almost a third of trials in 2025. Interestingly, we’ve seen endocrinology rise in a year, from tenth to third, in line with global research trends and emerging therapeutic options.

“The CTAR insights demonstrate Australia’s capacity to support the full clinical development pathway from First-In-Human through to Phase 4 as well as across a range of studies,” concluded Ms Sproston.

(Media release 20 May, 2026)