The NIHR Newcastle CRF, a partnership between Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University, is one of 28 in the country to receive funding which will support research into new treatments and early phase clinical trials which test treatments for the first time.

Research successes

CRFs were launched in 2007 and the NIHR Newcastle CRF was amongst one of the first to receive the status. In the last five years alone, the facility has supported 406 clinical studies and over 9,200 people have participated in research.

Recent achievements include dosing the first patient in Europe as part of a trial to find treatments for a rare genetic condition. The facility has also recruited the first patients in the UK to other trials.

New treatments for patients

Professor Fai Ng, Director of the NIHR Newcastle CRF, Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at Newcastle Hospitals and Professor of Rheumatology at Newcastle University, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive funding from the NIHR to continue to deliver clinical research and find new treatments for patients living with often life-limiting conditions.

“The success of the NIHR Newcastle CRF is thanks to the partnership between Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University which has helped us to translate promising discoveries made by scientists and industry into new therapies to benefit patients.

“This funding will help us to further develop our research infrastructure, invest in development of research delivery staff, strengthen our commitment to patient involvement and equality and diversity, and realise our ambition in effective delivery of high-quality research for patient benefits.”

Working in partnership

The CRF team is also working with the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust to expand its research into ageing, dementia and mental health conditions.

Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University are part of the Newcastle Health Innovation Partners (NHIP), which brings together world-class research, education and clinical practice to benefit the region.

This investment into research infrastructure supports NHIP’s aims to reduce health inequalities across the region.

The NIHR Newcastle CRF is based across three sites: the RVI research unit/ paediatric research unit, Clinical Ageing Research Unit on the Campus for Ageing and Vitality (CAV), and the Newcastle Dental Research Unit within the Newcastle Dental Hospital. The facility works closely with other NIHR partners, including the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre and the NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria. Both organisations are hosted by Newcastle Hospitals.

For more information on the national funding, visit the NIHR website and more information about NHIP can be found here.

(Adapted with thanks to NUTH)