A team at the NIHR Newcastle Commercial Research Delivery Centre, based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and hosted by The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has recruited the first patient in the world to a major commercial study evaluating a novel treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The CRDCs are funded through a partnership between the NIHR and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). This national investment aims to accelerate commercial study setup and delivery, reduce variability across the UK, and make Britain one of the fastest and most reliable locations for industry-sponsored clinical trials.
This early global first-patient-in demonstrates the value of that partnership: a modern, coordinated research infrastructure that gives patients faster access to cutting-edge therapies while strengthening the UK’s competitiveness in life sciences.
COPD is a common long-term lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, primarily affecting middle-aged and older adults. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and reducing inflammation. This study is investigating whether a new medicinal product can reduce airway inflammation, improve lung function, and prevent exacerbations by reducing mucus build-up.
The first participant was recruited within 103 days, significantly ahead of the government’s target to reduce commercial trial setup times to under 150 days. Being the first country to recruit a patient into a global trial is a critical marker for international sponsors deciding where to place their most important studies.
NIHR Life Sciences Industry Director, Dr Maria Koufali, said:
“The CRDCs are a cornerstone of the UK’s new commercial research offer. As a network funded jointly by NIHR and ABPI, they provide a nationally coordinated, high-performance delivery platform that enables faster study setup, consistent delivery, and earlier access to innovation for patients. Today’s global first-patient-in shows exactly what this investment was designed to achieve: world-class performance, stronger industry confidence and a more competitive UK that can attract the best commercial trials.”
The Newcastle CRDC achieved this milestone through methods now being rolled out UK-wide via the NIHR Industry Hub, embedding a single national operating model for faster feasibility, setup and recruitment. These included:
- Parallel contracting and site-readiness processes alongside Health Research Authority (HRA) approvals
- Securing a signed contract within two weeks of HRA approval
- Rapid technical troubleshooting with the sponsor, including fast resolution of a spirometry calibration issue
- Close coordination between respiratory clinicians and CRDC delivery teams to line up eligible participants immediately upon green light
This performance demonstrates how well-led CRDCs can reliably meet the speed, quality and predictability expected by global life sciences companies, reinforcing the UK’s position as a world-class destination for clinical research.
Image credit: iStock
