Western Australia has welcomed one of the most advanced cancer clinical trial centres in the world, giving patients access to some of the most innovative and ground-breaking treatment options available.
Linear Clinical Research’s new Advanced Clinical Trial Centre (ACTC), located at QEII Medical Centre in Nedlands, aims to bring the most transformative therapies to local patients, “as good as anywhere else in the world,” according to CEO Jayden Rogers.
“Our Advanced Clinical Trial Centre is transforming cancer care and changing lives – not only here in Western Australia but potentially across the globe,” Mr Rogers said.
“More than 75% of our patients observe some form of response, with increasing rates of complete remission – meaning no detectable cancer.”
“Access to first-in-human and ground-breaking drug trials offers life-changing hope to patients, especially those with advanced cancers where other treatment options have been exhausted.”
Mr Rogers said emerging therapies are revolutionising cancer care and patient outcomes, yet very few patients can access them.
“Only around 5% of Australian adult cancer patients currently participate in clinical trials,” he said.
“Linear has now established one of Australia’s leading early phase cancer clinical trial capabilities, with metrics comparable to those of major US cancer institutes.”
The multi-million-dollar ACTC facility is the first and only clinical trial centre in Australia to receive full private hospital accreditation under the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
It is also part of an ambitious plan to expand dedicated cancer research infrastructure in WA.
“Linear’s independent and agile model complements WA Health and public research, further catalysing cancer research within Linear and across the state. We see ourselves as a partner to hospitals and institutions – supporting capacity, sharing expertise, and building a unified trial ecosystem for WA patients.”
Despite recent advances, such as immunotherapy, cancer remains a significant challenge for researchers and patients.
“Clinical trials are critical to advancing cancer treatment. For example, precision medicine and targeted therapies mean clinical trials are now considered best practice for many types of cancer,” said Mr Rogers.
Linear has been involved in many world-first medical breakthroughs, including COVID-19 vaccine treatments, pioneering cancer immunotherapy studies, and a range of other breakthrough treatments.
“We’re seeing strong interest from international biopharma and contract research organisations eager to work with Linear due to our expertise and facilities such as the ACTC,” he said.
“ACTC is one of the most active Phase 1 providers in the Asia Pacific region, positioning WA as a leader in early-phase research.”
Founded by the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, one of Australia’s most respected medical research organisations, Linear builds on a legacy of scientific excellence to deliver world-class clinical trials.
“Our key partnerships nationally and globally bring these world-class trials and research to Western Australia and connect our best researchers with leading international groups,” Mr Rogers said.
“Raising the level of research activity and trial participation is central to this mission, ensuring more patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments.”
“As cancer research grows more complex and costly, specialist skills and infrastructure are essential for safely delivering novel treatments and managing adverse events.”
“This includes specialist supply chain logistics, quality systems for cell therapies, and advanced technologies such as genomics and predictive analytics.”
The ACTC is uniquely equipped for cancer clinical trials, featuring:
- A 12-bed day suite
- Six in-patient overnight suites including private rooms
- Six consultation rooms
- Medication Preparation Room
- Pre-processing laboratory
“The ACTC is also expanding beyond cancer with a growing general medicine portfolio broadening access to innovative therapies for non-oncology patients,” said Mr Rogers.
Recently, Linear was one of 20 WA health and medical research organisations to receive funding from the Future Health and Research Innovation Fund (FHRI), sharing in $25 million to support indirect and operational research costs.
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said as part of the FHRI Fund, the Research Infrastructure Support program aims to provide a sustainable research environment and to promote excellence in health and medical research in Western Australia.
“This support highlights the important work being undertaken by Linear and its significant
contribution to Western Australia’s research landscape,” Minister Dawson said.
“The Cook Government is committed to providing patients with greater access to world leading treatments. Enhancing patient care through personalised, precision medicine is a priority for our government.”
“Through building a strong clinical trials ecosystem, we’re supporting WA researchers to make ground-breaking discoveries right here in WA that improve health outcomes for our community and beyond.”
About Linear Clinical Research
Linear Clinical Research is a global leader in early-phase clinical trials, operating multiple sites that are amongst the most active in the Asia Pacific region. Founded in 2010 as a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Linear’s purpose is to advance health through greater access to innovative medical therapies.
With more than 15 years of experience, Linear has conducted 500+ trials – including first-in-human and early to late-phase studies – in oncology, haematology, immunology, and more. The organisation runs state-of-the-art facilities, including the Advanced Clinical Trial Centre at QEII Medical Centre in Nedlands and the Joondalup Early Phase Centre.
Known for innovation and excellence in trial execution, Linear partners with global biopharma companies to deliver high-quality, efficient trials, establishing itself as a trusted partner in the global drug development landscape.
Linear has received funding support from WA Health, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, and Lotterywest, strengthening our capacity to accelerate cancer research and expand access to life-changing clinical trials for patients across Western Australia.