Strengthening Neglected Tropical Disease Research through Enhancing Research-Site Capacity: An Evaluation of a Novel Web Application to Facilitate Research Collaborations

摘要

The increasing number of clinical trials in developing countries brings unique challenges, including highly customised research infrastructure and narrow research focus. Many research sites have been equipped for one specific trial or disease area, often for a particular sponsor, with little consideration to subsequent diversification or sustainability [1]–[4]. Furthermore, the diseases studied in developing countries are seven to eight times more likely to be of relevance to developed countries than to developing countries [5],[6]. Accordingly, research sites are often only equipped to carry out research on diseases that are most relevant to developed nations—for example, noncommunicable diseases—rather than addressing local priority issues [7], [8].