Collaborative clinical trials on infectious disease among the G20 nations using scientometric analysis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Increased international travel and trade, changes in lifestyle, microbial resistance, and climate change, which allow endemics to proliferate, all contribute to the accelerated spread of infectious diseases (IDs). It is crucial to collaborate through shared knowledge and skills to combat these risks. Prioritizing clinical trials in infectious disease (CTI) in a cooperative and multipronged manner is essential to the successful elimination of threats.[1] Building a strong research and innovation ecosystem is one of the important agendas of the G20 presidency in responding to these global crises (e.g., Ebola and Zika).[2] India gears up for its 2023 G20 presidency, as the global economy teeters on the brink of recession as it recovers from the grip of COVID-19.[3] At this juncture, it is beneficial to obtain a macroscopic overview of the state of collaboration between G20 nations in CTI research. METHODOLOGY Studies published by G20-affiliated authors between 2010 and 2022 were retrieved from PubMed and the Web of Science using relevant search strategies. After data cleaning using thesaurus file, we eliminated duplicates and categorized the collectively represented European Union (EU) member states as “EU” except France, Germany, and Italy, as they are individually represented in G20. The final dataset was used for bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer consisted of metadata of articles extracted from the Web of Science.[4] Coauthorship and co-occurrence analysis was performed as a component of bibliometric analysis. RESULTS Three thousand six hundred and thirty-six articles were included in the study. Between 2013 and 2014, the number of publications with international collaborations increased by 5.8%. The United States of America (USA) had the most publications among the G20 nations (28.2%), followed by the United Kingdom (UK) (10.3%) and Germany at 6.2%. India is ranked 13, accounting for 2.4% of all publications. The use of keywords such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, hepatitis, and influenza are relatively frequent. India has collaborated with G20 nations on over 203 clinical trials from 2010 to 2022. India has collaborated closely with the USA, followed by the UK and Australia. DISCUSSION According to the key findings of our study, most clinical trials undertaken in partnership with G20 countries are the USA, the UK, and Germany. Industrialized nations are dominating publications likely as a result of relative research funding capacity and the English proficiency advantage. Rethinking of funding policies in health research to direct and incentivize institutions and researchers can improve.[5] Viral infections such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and hepatitis are frequently occurring keywords indicating that research on these fields is attracting international collaborations. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp increase-related research focused on preventing and containing such a pandemic.[6] COVID-19-driven resurgence of these diseases needs to be met with appropriate political will for cooperation and collaboration.[7] In recent times, strategies are being devised to encourage Lower middle income countries (LMICs) to achieve their publication potential, but the changes are not keeping in pace with the need to prevent and control high-burden infections.[8] This study provides policymakers and stakeholders with a macro perspective of collaborative clinical trials to enhance future research to address ID threats. Future research on collaboration can focus on facilitators and impediments to collaboration. This requires global leadership through cooperative entities like the G20. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.