Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Antiviral Research 78 (2008) 64–68 The Southeast Asian Influenza Clinical Research Network: Development and challenges for a new multilateral research endeavor Elizabeth S. Higgs a,* , Frederick G. Hayden b , Tawee Chotpitayasunondh c , Jimmy Whitworth d , Jeremy Farrar e,1 a Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA b Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland c Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand d Wellcome Trust, London, UK e Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Received 7 September 2007; accepted 17 October 2007 Abstract The Southeast Asia Influenza Clinical Research Network (SEA ICRN) (www.seaclinicalresearch.org) is a recently developed multilateral, collaborative partnership that aims to advance scientific knowledge and management of human influenza through integrated clinical investigation. The partnership of hospitals and institutions in Indonesia, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Viet Nam was established in late 2005 after agreement on the general principles and mission of the initiative and after securing initial financial support. The establishment of the SEA ICRN was both a response to the re-emergence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Southeast Asia in late 2003 and an acknowledgment that clinical trials on emerging infectious diseases require prepared and coordinated research capacity. The objectives of the Network also include building sustainable research capacity in the region, compliance with international standards, and prompt dissemination of information and sharing of samples. The scope of research includes diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of human influenza due to seasonal or novel viruses. The Network has overcome numerous logistical and scientific challenges but has now successfully initiated several clinical trials. The establishment of a clinical research network is a vital part of preparedness and an important element during an initial response phase to a pandemic. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Developing networks; Emerging infectious diseases; Clinical research; Pandemic preparedness; Avian influenza; H5N1 influenza; Southeast Asia 1. Introduction The Southeast Asia Influenza Clinical Research Net- work (SEA ICRN) is a multilateral, collaborative net- work based on shared principles of respect and commit- ment to advance scientific knowledge and management of human influenza through integrated collaborative clinical research (www.seaclinicalresearch.org, Network DSMB Char- ter: http://www.seaclinicalresearch.org/dsmb.asp). The estab- lishment of the SEA ICRN in 2005 was both a response to the re-emergence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Southeast Asia in late 2003 and an acknowledgment that clinical trials on emerging infectious diseases require prepared * Corresponding author. E-mail address: ehiggs@niaid.nih.gov (E.S. Higgs). 1 Members of SEA Influenza Clinical Research Network Steering Committee. and coordinated research capacity. The development of the Net- work took place in several stages, each critical to its short- and long-term success: consensus on key issues among future part- ners and securing sustained financial support; development of Network research systems and sites able to perform studies to a standard acceptable to regulatory agencies; drafting and imple- mentation of specific research protocols; and development of systems to provide regular, thorough oversight of study activities (Fig. 1). The Network continues to develop research capacity and evolve increasing efficiency fulfilling the Network’s mission. Approximately one year into the development of the Network an internal review aiming to improve our processes identified short- comings with respect to decision-making and organization at local, regional and international levels. This resulted in restruc- turing the Network to establish and empower country teams. Future development will continue to require sustained effort and 0166-3542/$ – see front matter © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2007.10.008