Statistics released today by the HRB-Clinical Research Coordination Ireland show that the Irish participation in clinical trials is growing at a steady pace. There are 237 trial sites now open across the Irish network, up from 134 in 2014 when HRB-CRCI was established to co-ordinate a system to support more clinical trials in Ireland. The event today is part of a build up to International Clinical Trials Day* which takes place on 20 May 2018.

Speaking at the event Dr Mairead O’Driscoll, Interim Chief Executive at the HRB, says,

‘Clinical trials can save lives and improve patient care. A strong clinical research infrastructure gives Irish people access to lifesaving trials and the HRB is committing a further €11.6 million this year to ensure that this continues to happen. We believe that this investment, together with the HRB CRCI’s proven expertise to attract trials here and the collaborative approach taken to trials in Ireland, will ensure Irish people can benefit from more international trials into the future’.

There are seven clinical research facilities and centres in the HRB-CRCI partnership across Ireland with over 330 clinical investigators (doctors) leading and conducting individual trials.

The programme for today’s sold out event can be found in the accommpanying links, and more information is available in a HRB-CRCI press release which highlights information about the opportunities for Ireland’s clinical research activities post-Brexit.

* International Clinical Trials Day celebrates the anniversary of the first clinical trial by James Lind in 1747 into the causes of scurvy. The trial took place on board the HMS Salisbury and consisted of just 12 men, grouped into pairs and given a variety of dietary supplements from cider to oranges and lemons.

The trial only lasted six days but, within that time, there was a noticeable improvement in the group eating the fruit, providing Lind with the evidence required of the link between citrus fruits and scurvy.  Details about his original trial can be found at the James Lind Library at the last link.