HACRO – the Hellenic Association of Contract Research Organizations – participated in the 52nd Annual Panhellenic Medical Congress, organised by the Athens Medical Society, held on 2–4 April.
During the roundtable discussion “Patient Access to Innovation and the Role of Clinical Trials,” HACRO President Evangelia (Lia) Koraki highlighted the latest developments in the European and national regulatory landscape, while addressing the opportunities and challenges facing Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and clinical trial sponsors.
Ms Koraki noted that Greece has made significant progress in recent years through important regulatory reforms and growing interest from international sponsors, reflecting the country’s increasing potential as a destination for clinical research.
Particular emphasis was placed on the new Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD), which introduces a series of structural reforms designed to create a more investment-friendly environment, improve the efficiency of clinical trial processes, and strengthen transparency and regulatory reliability. She stressed, however, that the ultimate objective is to establish a stable, predictable and internationally competitive clinical research ecosystem that supports innovation and ensures that the benefits of research reach patients more effectively.
Ms Koraki also referred to the development of the National Biomedical Research Registry, which is expected to become a comprehensive national digital platform for the submission, approval and monitoring of clinical studies, with full implementation planned by June 2026. The Registry is expected to address the current gap in the national recording and monitoring of clinical research while enhancing interoperability with the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), improving transparency and supporting the overall efficiency of Greece’s clinical research ecosystem.
HACRO extends its sincere thanks to the Board of Directors of the Athens Medical Society and its President, Lefteris Thireos, for the kind invitation and the excellent organisation of the Congress