New research hub to focus on regional diseases

A new research hub in Bradford will focus on diseases of "particular relevance to West Yorkshire", including respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust opened the West Yorkshire Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) in April.

It is one of 21 specialist research hubs established nationwide with investment over seven years.

CRDC Director Prof Dinesh Saralaya said: "This represents a tremendous opportunity to expand access to cutting-edge clinical trials beyond large hospital settings into communities that have traditionally been underserved by medical research."

The CRDC will operate as a hub connecting Bradford Teaching Hospitals with partner sites at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, creating a network for delivering commercial research across the region.

Dr John Ashcroft, director of research at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and deputy director of the Bradford and West Yorkshire CRDC, said: "Patients involved in commercial research often have the opportunity to access new and innovative treatments or therapies that are not yet widely available to the public.

"This can be especially important for those with conditions that are hard to treat with existing options.

"Clinical trials associated with commercial research help advance medical knowledge and technology, which can lead to better, more effective treatments in the future.

"As these treatments are rigorously tested, they have the potential to be safer and more effective."

Industry partners including AstraZeneca, Sanofi, PPD and IQVIA attended an official launch event on Monday.

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