Avian Influenza

APRIL 2007 — FHI manages the Center for International Research Assistance and Support (CIRAS) for the Southeast Asia Influenza Clinical Research Network (SEA ICRN), a collaborative partnership of hospitals and institutions that conducts research on influenza caused by avian or human viruses.

The CIRAS staff members play a critical role training scientists to follow international guidelines as they conduct research, and they provide support for the operations of clinical trials.  

FHI'S GOALS

• Build the capacity to perform research in developing Southeast Asian countries.
• Train project scientists to follow good clinical practice and the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH).
• Help the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH) to manage the clinical studies.
• Train local project scientists to conduct and manage the operations of the trials on their own.
• Develop centers of clinical research that could respond to emerging infectious diseases in participating countries.

• Training in pharmacological research, data management, good clinical practice and research ethics, study initiation, protocol-specific procedures, and training of trainers.
• Perform site assessments of clinics, pharmacies, and data management centers.
• Prepare a manual of operations, study aides, and other documents.
• Coordinate conference calls and meetings.
• Supply logistical assistance for the data safety monitoring board.
• Provide biostatistical support for data management activities.
• Offer regular on-site assistance and guidance.

COUNTRIES
Indonesia
Thailand
United States
Vietnam

COLLABORATORS
NAID/NIH
UK Wellcome Trust
World Health Organization
Oxford University
Eleven hospitals in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam