Celebrating World Clinical Trials Day
20 May 2025
Showcasing the University's significant contributions to advancing medical research through various groundbreaking clinical trials
As we celebrate World Clinical Trials Day on May 20, The University of Manchester proudly showcases its significant contributions to advancing medical research through various groundbreaking clinical trials. The University is at the forefront of medical innovation, conducting trials involving drugs, devices, and other complex interventions. These include pioneering use of nanotechnology in first in human trials, treating rare genetic disorders using advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) in children with rare genetic disorders, mental health interventions and surgical trials.
Oversight of Clinical Trials
The Clinical Trials Management Group (CTMG) at the university is chaired by Prof Richard Drake, and plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and compliance of these trials, ensuring that all trials meet regulatory requirements and adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. Additionally, the Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity Team (RGEIT) ensures that clinical trials are conducted ethically and with the highest standards of integrity. You can read a list of past and present trials online.
Recognising the Importance and Sacrifice of Patients and Their Families
The success of these clinical trials would not be possible without the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of patients and their families. Their willingness to participate in these studies, often under challenging circumstances, is crucial for advancing medical research and improving healthcare outcomes. Their dedication and bravery enable researchers to develop new treatments and interventions that can benefit countless others.
Manchester BRC
Many of these groundbreaking trials start as small discoveries before being translated into small trials such as those being developed via the Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). These initial studies are crucial for testing the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of new interventions before they are scaled up to larger clinical trials. By starting small, researchers can gather essential data, refine their methods, and ensure that the interventions are ready for broader application.
Crucial Partnerships
The success of the university's clinical trials is underpinned by crucial partnerships with both commercial and non-commercial entities. The university collaborates with large pharmaceutical and biotech companies for commercial funding of trials, as well as with research councils and medical charities for non-commercial funding. These partnerships enable university to leverage a wide range of expertise and resources, ensuring the highest standards of research and innovation.
Clinical Trials Management Group (CTMG) Chair, Professor Richard Drake commented: "At The University of Manchester, we are pioneering clinical trials that push the boundaries of scientific and medical innovation, with one clear aim: to improve the lives of patients. The Clinical Trials Management Group is committed to ethical research and adherence to national and international regulation is a key cornerstone for maintaining public confidence. The success of our clinical trials is a testament to the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of the patients who participate, and their families."