Commercial studies adopted to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Portfolio accounted for 58%* of all commercial Phase II-IV studies in the UK receiving MHRA Clinical Trial Authorisation in 2010-2011. This figure reflects the impact of work being done by the NIHR Clinical Research Network to collaborate with the Life-sciences Industry and the extent to which it is now embedded within the research community.
Over the last two years the NIHR Clinical Research Network and Industry have worked on a number of mutually beneficial projects. These include the study start-up route map, which gives Industry an overview of who does what and when during Network study set-up; costing templates that help identify NHS costs quickly and a study milestone schedule that enables the Network to performance manage sites more effectively.
For Adrienne Clarke, Oncology Clinical Team Manager at GlaxoSmithKline UK, performance management is key to Network effectiveness:
"We are now seeing an increase in the number of Network studies that meet recruitment targets because performance management is becoming part of Clinical Research Network culture. Within Industry, we routinely performance manage our studies by engaging with Investigators and their teams to identify issues and find solutions. However, when this conversation becomes a collaboration between the Network, NHS and the sponsor, it is more powerful.
"By working together we can take advantage of additional resources and ideas to support solutions and ensure delivery. Trust R&D staff are now recognising the significance of commercial research within the NHS and this is having a positive impact on study set-up."
The NIHR Clinical Research Network has dedicated Industry Managers, on the ground, working to resolve study set-up issues. They support and facilitate access to the NHS which enables sponsors to address issues quickly. According to Dr Clare Morgan, NIHR Clinical Research Network Industry Director, an increased understanding of Network services is improving industry engagement:
"More companies are returning to the Network because of positive personal experiences. They know we can help them identify sites, which is of particular relevance to companies new to therapeutic areas; they know they gain access to expert feasibility guidance through our clinical specialty groups and that we can offer hands-on support for study delivery. Commercial research is a highly competitive field and companies are increasingly aware that we can help their studies perform more effectively in the NHS."
Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department of Health said:
"These figures show that the majority of Phase II to Phase IV commercial studies are now seeking NIHR Clinical Research Network support and taking place in the NHS. This is giving more patients access to cutting edge practice and providing a real opportunity to drive growth within the UK economy.
"This level of Industry commitment demonstrates the impact of collaboration within the research community and the benefit of the Government's continued investment in research infrastructure."
