A pioneering training initiative concluded yesterday in Milan, marking a significant step forward in integrating pharmacists into clinical research networks across Italy. The first module of “Il Ruolo Strategico del Farmacista nella Ricerca Clinica: Dati di Qualità e Reclutamento Inclusivo” (The Strategic Role of Pharmacists in Clinical Research: Quality Data and Inclusive Recruitment) brought together pharmacists from 13 Italian regions.

Organized by Centro Cardiologico Monzino in partnership with Benu Farmacia and CVBF, the two-day intensive program aims to establish a new network of trained pharmacists who will actively participate in future clinical trials, addressing the critical need for broader healthcare professional involvement in research.

The comprehensive curriculum covered essential aspects of clinical research, including regulatory frameworks, professional responsibilities, and in-depth exploration of key cardiovascular and metabolic conditions such as arterial hypertension, heart failure, obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.

Participants engaged with a distinguished faculty including Dr. Marco Scatigna, Dr. Arianna Bertolani, Dr. Alessandra Foietta, Dr. Nicola Cosentino, Dr. Stefano Genovese, and Dr. Maria Luisa Biondi, who provided both theoretical foundations and practical insights from their clinical research experience.

The initiative received the free patronage of AICRO (Italian Association Contract Research Organizations) and SIF (Italian Society of Pharmacology), with unrestricted educational support from leading pharmaceutical companies including Amgen, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Bayer, Neopharmed Gentili, Novo Nordisk, and Sandoz.

The program continues with its second module scheduled for July 3-4, 2025, in Milan, offering both in-person and online participation options to accommodate the growing interest in this innovative training approach.

This initiative represents a strategic advancement in Italy’s clinical research landscape, positioning pharmacists as key contributors to high-quality, inclusive patient recruitment and data collection in clinical trials.