Five clinical trials that will shape the future of medicine in 2023

For decades, scientists have been researching and developing mRNA vaccines, which have the potential to revolutionise the way we approach vaccinations. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines utilise the genetic code of a virus to instruct the body to produce proteins that can help protect against the disease.

This technology could be a game-changer for the flu vaccine, as it allows for faster development and production of vaccines in large batches without the need for growing cells. In 2023, several clinical trials of mRNA vaccines for influenza are expected to conclude. If the results are positive, mRNA vaccines could become the new standard for influenza vaccination, offering greater protection and fewer side effects than traditional vaccines.

For some patients, brain damage caused by a stroke can lead to paralysis. For years, researchers have been searching for a cure, and now they’re looking at a potential breakthrough: stem cell therapy. Early studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into the brain may be able to regenerate damaged brain tissue and promote functional recovery for stroke patients.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and encourage the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, ultimately leading to better neurological function. These discoveries have prompted human clinical trials to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for stroke.

For people living with rare genetic diseases, the need for innovative treatments is urgent. Gene therapy – a type of treatment that involves introducing healthy genes into a patient's cells – is an increasingly viable treatment option.

In 2023, several clinical trials of gene therapy are expected to conclude for rare diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. If the results are positive, they could represent a significant medical breakthrough for those affected by rare diseases.

In recent years, CAR-T cells have shown astonishing results in the treatment of hematologic cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Based on this success, several trials are currently underway around the world. In Australia, several trials are being conducted to assess the early treatment of lymphoma with CAR-T cell therapy, the use of T-cells from a donor (rather than using the patient’s own T-cells), and how to deliver CAR-T cell therapy in a way that minimises unwanted side effects. If researchers discover a way to make CAR-T cell therapy safer and more accessible, it could have a significant positive impact on the 135,000 Australians living with blood cancer.

Throughout history, clinical trials have paved the way for ground-breaking medical discoveries – and 2023 is shaping up to deliver the same. From the potential of exenatide to revolutionise Parkinson’s treatment to stem cell therapy for stroke paralysis, these trials have the potential to change the health industry forever.