Medical research

Royal Free London NHS FT launch clinical research facility

The Royal Free London (RFL) NHS FT have opened a new clinical research facility (CRF), which will make it possible to carry out early-stage research into rare diseases, long-term conditions and viruses such as Covid-19.

The CRF will form a crucial bridge between so-called ‘basic science’, or laboratory work, and clinical studies involving human participants. It will provide the space, facilities and resources for the trust to carry out cutting-edge early phase research, testing new and innovative approaches to medicine to ensure that they are safe for patients.

Work carried out in the CRF will supplement the diverse portfolio of later-phase clinical research already carried out by the trust. Funding for the CRF has been facilitated by the Royal Free Charity, which continues to support ground-breaking research at RFL.

Professor Derralynn Hughes explained: “In order for the exciting research that goes on in the lab to actually reach our patients, we need to create an environment for early-stage clinical research. Opening the CRF does exactly that, with a facility that is welcoming, efficient and well-governed.

“We will also be providing training within the facility, meaning that the next generation of researchers will have the opportunity to learn and grow here, and ultimately contribute with their own studies.

“We want to bring as much research as we can to our patients, and we want it to be of the best possible quality. This will be another step towards achieving that goal.”

The CRF will unite researchers from across the trust’s hospitals within a dedicated facility, while also working closely with partner research institutes including the UCL Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, the UCL Cancer Institute and the UCL Institute of Digestive Health and Liver Disease.

It launches with a range of research trials taking place throughout April and May and into the summer. This includes the continuation of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine trial. The first phase of the Novavax trial included more than 600 participants recruited at the RFL and found the vaccine to be 89.3% effective in preventing coronavirus in participants.

The facility will accommodate work being done across a huge breadth of other clinical areas. The RFL is already a world-leading centre for gene therapy research and leads research into several rare disorders. The CRF will also see the advancement of research into areas such as renal diseases, liver disease, respiratory conditions, neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer treatment and diagnosis.

NHE September/October 2023

NHE September/October 2023

Empowering the next generation to lead the way in hard-to-treat cancers.

The September/October 2023 edition of NHE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key health sector topics, from digital transformation to navigating post-pandemic challenges.

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

National Health Executive Podcast

Ep. 36
How interoperability can support the NHS's core goals
with Ed Platt

In episode 36 of the National Health Executive podcast, we were joined by Omnicell’s UK professional services director, Ed Platt, to discuss interoperability in the NHS, practical examples of where it can be leveraged best, the importance of the health service's digital transformation journey and more.

More articles...

View all