The Association’s first supported project is SMOMT’s proposal to the International Finance Corporation to build a network of international-standard clinical research centers embedded within leading Uzbek hospitals. The objective is to give Uzbekistan the infrastructure, trained workforce, quality systems, and international commercial relationships needed to become a competitive destination for clinical trials sponsored by U.S., European, and other global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies — while SMOMT acts as the specialized clinical-research operator and the commercial bridge bringing those sponsors to Uzbek hospitals, investigators, and patients.

The proposal envisions two complementary structures for IFC involvement: a private clinical-research infrastructure platform capitalized through a mix of sponsor, private-equity, local, and development finance capital; and a broader public-private partnership involving the Government of Uzbekistan, participating public hospitals, and international financial institutions. Rather than proposing a nationwide build-out immediately, SMOMT has recommended starting with a focused pilot — two to three hospitals with strong investigators and patient populations — building the first portfolio of pharmaceutical-sponsored studies, and expanding once the model proves out. Over time, the ambition extends beyond Uzbekistan to a Central Asia–wide clinical research network.