AstraZeneca Philippines and AC Health have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand patient access to clinical trials and strengthen healthcare research infrastructure across the country.
The agreement marks AstraZeneca’s first partnership with an integrated hospital network in the Philippines. By leveraging AC Health’s Healthway Medical Network, the collaboration aims to prepare multiple medical facilities to host clinical trials, train clinical teams, and standardize research processes under recognized Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
AstraZeneca currently stands as the country’s leading clinical trial collaborator, managing over 30 active trials and investing more than P3 billion in local clinical research over the past six years. Its active studies focus on oncology, respiratory and immunology, along with cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.
Through this alliance, the companies intend to move research opportunities beyond traditional centralized facilities and into broader local communities across Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao—including specialized hubs like the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital.
“Our partnership is grounded in a simple belief: our patients should have greater access to high-quality clinical research and innovative treatments,” said Lotis Ramin, Country President of AstraZeneca Philippines. “By bringing safe, high-quality clinical trials closer to Filipino communities, AstraZeneca’s partnership with AC Health can expand patient access, strengthen local research, and improve standards of care.”
Under the terms of the MOU, operational responsibilities are divided between site readiness and global trial alignment:
- AC Health and Healthway Medical Network will evaluate facility infrastructure, determine site readiness, select suitable healthcare institutions, and oversee local capacity building.
- AstraZeneca Philippines will supply technical expertise, conduct clinical training, assist with site accreditation, and match trial opportunities to qualifying facilities based on site capability.
Initial phases of the agreement will focus on auditing Healthway facilities and establishing the required ethical, regulatory, and procedural frameworks. Individual clinical trials will proceed once specific site readiness, scientific, and regulatory benchmarks are met.
“Beyond introducing new technologies and programs, we are building the capabilities that will allow our hospitals and physicians to participate directly in clinical research and contribute to our vision of transforming health for every Filipino,” said RJ Recio, Chief Strategy and Investment Officer of AC Health. “AstraZeneca brings strong clinical research expertise, while AC Health brings the network of hospitals, doctors, and healthcare professionals who can help bring these opportunities closer to Filipino patients.”
The partnership follows AstraZeneca’s May 2026 announcement with De La Salle University to establish a health innovation hub at the DLSU Laguna Campus. While the university initiative focuses on academic research and talent development, the AC Health alliance targets the clinical infrastructure required to deliver emerging treatments to patients nationwide.
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