Clinical trials on medicinal products

This site and the enclosed links contain useful information for sponsors, investigators or research institutions conducting clinical trials with medicinal products in Switzerland. It provides clarifications concerning the submission of trial documentation and gives information about different aspects of the clinical trial process, with references to other relevant documents and useful internet sites.

The Clinical Trials Ordinance (ClinO, SR 810.305), implemented on 01.01.2014, introduces a clear division in responsibilities between Swissmedic and the Ethics Committees. To find more information about aspects of clinical trials that fall under the competence of the Ethics Committees (e.g. insurance), please refer to www.swissethics.ch.

Even though the information in this website is regularly updated, it is possible that it is not exhaustive. Swiss legislation and international standards, such as the Clinical Trials Ordinance (ClinO, SR 810.305), and the current versions of the ICH-GCP E6 and the Declaration of Helsinki always prevail in case of doubt or conflict.


Inhouse News

09.06.2023

Applications for clinical trials with medicinal products and ATMPs (advanced therapy medicinal products) can be submitted via portal from 19 June 2023

The development of the new eGov portal function for electronic submission of applications for clinical trials with medicinal products and ATMPs is in its final phase. The new application is currently being tested with selected participants in a pilot phase. From 19 June 2023, the new portal for clinical trials with medicinal products and ATMPs will be available to all sponsors, investigators, research institutions and their contractual partners for fully electronic submission of applications. Further information will be provided here.

Please note that a new version of the form (V2) together with the Quick Instruction have also been published on Swissmedic website. We kindly ask you from now on to use version 2 of the form.


09.09.2021

Position paper by Swissmedic and swissethics on decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) with medicinal products

The development of novel technologies and digitalization in the field of therapeutic products offers new opportunities. Through the use of these technologies in clinical trials, it is possible that study visits do not always have to be carried out in the hospital, but can also take place at home. In this context, innovative technologies allow health-related data to be digitally recorded and transmitted via devices worn on the body. These special features and other aspects play an essential role in so-called decentralized clinical trials (DCTs).

This development poses new challenges for all those involved. In a position paper, Swissmedic and swissethics have summarized the main current challenges of DCTs with medicinal products and show under which conditions such clinical trials could be conducted in Switzerland. The paper is addressed to researchers and sponsors as well as all those interested in clinical research.