On September 18, the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) celebrated the opening of their new clinical research unit in conjunction with Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC). This milestone signifies a relevant advancement in pharmaceutical research, as it now enables clinical studies to be conducted with patient volunteers within the facilities of LUMC.
LUMC and CHDR have been collaborating for some time on research into new treatments and medications, primarily focusing on healthy volunteers outside the hospital. With the introduction of this new research unit, this is changing, making it easier to conduct research with patients. This has the potential to expedite the availability of new medications for patients. Pancras Hogendoorn, Dean and Executive Board Member of LUMC, emphasized that the development and approval of new drugs is often a lengthy process. The collaboration with CHDR and the introduction of this research unit aim to accelerate this process.
Koos Burggraaf, Director of CHDR, highlighted that they conduct research on medications for both the pharmaceutical industry and the academic community. The new unit at LUMC allows for the inclusion of both healthy volunteers and patient volunteers in studies on the effectiveness and safety of medications, resulting in efficiency and comfort for patients. Initially, the unit will focus on research related to skin conditions and pain medication in patient volunteers. This development represents a crucial step in the mission of both LUMC and CHDR to innovate healthcare and expedite the availability of new treatments for patients. Collaboration and innovation remain central to their efforts to enhance the health of individuals.
