Multi-million pound regional centre to unlock cutting-edge treatments

Patients in the south will have greater access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials through a new research centre.

Working with regional partners, University Hospital Southampton has been awarded £4.7 million to set up a Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC).

It one of 20 CRDCs across the UK announced by the government from £100 million of public-private investment.

The new Centre builds on the success of the Wessex Research Hubs.

Expanding regional research

The new Centre will enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research delivery.

It will work with industry and other research infrastructure to support the UK’s status as one of the best places for innovative companies to bring their portfolio of research.

The CRDC is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Dr Patrick Moore, a Poole-based GP, and Director of the new NIHR CRDC in Southampton, said:

“Many participants in our trials are motivated by a strong desire to give back to the NHS and contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements that could improve the health and care of others in the future.

“With this expansion, even more individuals will have the opportunity to take part in vital research, driving meaningful improvements both regionally and beyond.”

Dr Karen Underwood, Director of Research & Development at University Hospital Southampton, said:

“Delivering research that impacts on our patients and communities is fundamental to our vision. I am proud that our Trust is supporting this regional initiative and look forward to working together with partners to deliver patient-centred and inclusive commercial research.”

Wessex hubs

The Wessex Research Hubs are a unique, cross-organisation approach. They began as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, they operate in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Weymouth, supported by the NIHR’s Regional Research Delivery Network.

The new NIHR CRDC will be under the governance of Wessex Health Partners.

Prof Saul Faust, Co-Director of the new CRDC, said:

“Becoming an official CRDC is a great milestone for Wessex Research Hubs. What makes this even more special is the opportunity to continue working as a collaborative team across the whole region.

“Being part of the new national network is an exciting development that will help us to offer taking part in clinical trials to many more people.”

Growing model

Under an enhanced model, the NIHR CRDC will:

• Further increase access for the public across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight to participate in important research to advance healthcare
• Expand the use of two mobile research units to support more trials in the community
• Support more GP practices to become research active, bringing trials even closes to people’s homes
• Work with patient and public involvement and engagement officers to build local links with communities to increase the diversity of our recruitment
• Broaden the range of research to include trials for both healthy volunteers and patients with conditions - widening access to innovative treatments and interventions
• Create opportunities for people living in Salisbury and Basingstoke to take part in research
• Provide access to a network of commercially active sites with gold-standard set-up times and performance
• Build links with industry, leading to greater inward investment into the Wessex area and the UK as a whole

‘Significant investment’

The CRDC funding is part of a wider £400 million joint public-private investment scheme. This is known as the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme. It is a unique partnership between the government and the pharmaceutical industry.

Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: “This significant private investment in health research is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK’s leading research and life sciences sector.

“The new hubs will help shift research into smaller communities, allowing more people to access cutting-edge treatments faster.”

“Prevention is better than cure - these trials will help unlock the next generation of treatments, boost economic growth and build an NHS fit for the future.”