Clinical research organisation Novatrials has officially opened a purpose-built early-phase clinical trials facility at the Charlestown Healthcare Hub. Representing a $5 million investment, the site is the first dedicated Phase I facility located outside an Australian capital city and expands the Hunter region’s capacity for early-to-late-stage clinical research.
The Charlestown unit includes 31 overnight beds, an on-site laboratory, a pharmaceutical dispensary, consulting rooms, a dedicated infectious disease room, and an infusion lounge. This infrastructure enables the end-to-end delivery of Phase I to Phase III clinical trials, allowing first-in-human studies to be conducted locally rather than requiring participants to travel to metropolitan centres.
Phase I trials represent the initial stage of testing new medicinal interventions in humans, utilizing paid healthy volunteers who stay overnight under clinical monitoring to evaluate safety, dosage, and side effects.
CEO of Novatrials, Amanda Koegelenberg said the facility builds on the region’s existing medical research ecosystem.
“Our region has a strong track record in clinical trials across public, academic and private sectors, built on experienced clinicians, researchers and strong community participation,” Amanda said.
“We’re proud to extend that capability and provide a dedicated location for enabling early- to late-stage clinical trials to be conducted right here in the Hunter.”
The facility was officially opened by the Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison. In addition to the new early-phase capabilities, Novatrials continues to conduct Phase Ib to Phase III trials across diverse therapeutic areas, including oncology, metabolic health, immunology, and neurology.
Amanda noted that establishing global-standard infrastructure in the Hunter region enhances local access to emerging medical therapies and improves clinical attraction.
“Becoming a globally recognised region for first-of-kind clinical trials strengthens our ability to attract future studies and ensures people who need it most can access treatments otherwise unavailable,” Amanda said.
“We can now undertake first-in-human studies here in the Hunter, reducing the barriers for people to participate and helping clinicians stay at the forefront of innovation.”
The timing of the launch coincides with International Clinical Trials Day. By centralising these high-regulation research capabilities within the Hunter, the facility supports the regional economy by attracting international pharmaceutical investment, creating specialized scientific roles, and keeping regional clinicians engaged with global medical developments.
“We’re deeply committed to participant wellbeing, research excellence and community impact,” Amanda said.
“This facility is not just an investment in infrastructure, but in people, science and the future of healthcare in the Hunter.”
IMAGE | Novatrials opens regional Australia’s first purpose-built Phase I clinical trials facility
