Partnership to Boost Clinical Health Studies

Researchers and clinicians from Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), a partnership involving The University of Manchester and six NHS Trusts, have launched a major partnership with Roche to boost clinical research studies, which could lead to the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools and give patients in the region greater access to new treatments in development.

The alliance also includes colleagues from the Greater Manchester Academic Health Science Network (GM AHSN), which is focused on ensuring new medicines, diagnostic tools and health technology become widely available more quickly, and the NIHR Greater Manchester Comprehensive Local Research Network (CLRN), which supports researchers and companies to identify and recruit patients into clinical studies quickly and efficiently. 

Christopher Burdette, Head of Project Strategy and Portfolio Management at Roche Products Limited, said: “To improve patient care it’s essential to increase our understanding of the role of innovative molecules in the real world, and how new medicines might impact patient pathways and the wider healthcare system. Roche recognises the strong research community in Manchester and scientific potential of the UK – that’s why we’re excited to establish this collaborative relationship.”

Dr Linda Magee, Business Development Director at MAHSC, said: "This exciting new collaboration with Roche encapsulates the significant benefits an Academic Health Science Centre can offer industry.  Access to the skills of our leading clinicians and researchers, and a population of 3.6 million, in partnership with the GM AHSN and CLRN, will provide Roche with the opportunity to develop and test new diagnostic tools and drugs in a streamlined and effective way.

"The benefits for MAHSC are also considerable. Working with a major global player like Roche gives our teams access to innovative new therapies for our patients and supports the development of the next generation of translational medicine experts and clinical investigators,” she added."