Comercially sponsored clinical research can thrive in UK
A programme of clinical research studies in the North West of England is proving that the NHS can match the rest of Europe in setting up high quality studies quickly and efficiently. The National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) North West Exemplar Programme was set up to demonstrate that changes to research infrastructure made by the NIHR CRN had created a viable environment within the NHS for commercial investment in clinical research. Phase 1 of the NIHR CRN North West Exemplar Programme has focused on effective study set-up. The average set-up time for the 20 studies taking part in the Exemplar Programme was 53 days, 45 days less than the set-up time for studies in the rest of England. Additionally, seven of the 20 studies recruited the first patient in the world, a key indicator of effective study set-up and strong evidence that the NIHR CRN is succeeding in streamlining research governance. Tim Cave, Medical Director of Novartis UK feels the programme is helping to change the pharmaceutical industry's perception of clinical research in the UK: "We're delighted with the set-up times of Novartis studies in the North West Exemplar Programme. By working closely with the Comprehensive Local Research Networks in the North West and the NIHR CRN, two of our trials delivered global first patient, first visit. This is a significant achievement and as a consequence the UK is being seen as a more viable place to carry out research studies. We are already seeing an increase in the number of trials being placed in the UK." John Sitzia, Acting Chief Operating Officer of the NIHR CRN Co-ordinating Centre is delighted with Phase 1 of the Programme: "The Phase 1 report of the NIHR CRN North West Exemplar Programme has provided evidence that NIHR CRN infrastructure is improving the delivery and efficiency of clinical research studies. The collaboration between Networks, Industry and NHS Trusts demonstrates the NHS is an environment in which commercially sponsored clinical research can flourish. " To read the report in full please go to http://nwexemplar.nihr.ac.uk Notes to editors For more information, or to arrange interviews/photo opportunities relating to the NIHR CRN North West Exemplar Programme, contact Daniel Spiers, National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre Communications Officer on 0113 343 0372 or daniel.spiers@nihr.ac.uk · The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England is positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility. The NIHR provides the NHS with the support and infrastructure it needs to conduct first class research funded by the Government and its partners alongside high quality patient care, education and training. Its aim is to support outstanding individuals (both leaders and collaborators), working in world-class facilities (both NHS and university), conducting leading edge research focused on the needs of patients. For more information visit www.nihr.ac.uk · The development of the NIHR CRN is a key part of NIHR work. It is made up of eight national networks: the Comprehensive Clinical Research Network, the Primary Care Clinical Research Network and six topic specific Clinical Research Networks. The purpose of the NIHR SRN is to provide health service infrastructure to facilitate clinical trials and other well designed studies in stroke across the full spectrum of disease treatment and prevention through their local research networks and national co-ordinating centre.
Original Article: Comercially sponsored clinical research can thrive in UK
