- Bradford is set to be one of 20 new research hubs (Commercial Research Delivery Centres – CRDCs) to be set up across UK to accelerate research into the next generation of treatments.
- Funded through £100 million of private investment from pharmaceutical companies, boosting economic growth
- New centres will shift research from big hospitals into the community
Leading a collaboration with Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford will receive nearly £7 million to set up its Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) which will act as a regional hub for pioneering clinical trials, creating opportunities to test innovative new treatments with the latest equipment and technology.
These trials will build upon research in respiratory disorders, cancer and obesity, as well as vaccine for infectious diseases such as flu and respiratory syntactical virus (RSV). The CRDCs will support the rapid set-up of commercial studies so patients can begin accessing treatments undergoing trials as early as possible.
CDRCs will shift clinical trials beyond large hospital trusts into community settings, meaning those in under-served regions will be better able to participate in research. This will boost access to new treatments in the trial stage.
Professor Dinesh Saralaya, Clinical Director NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre and Consultant Respiratory Physician said:
We are delighted that Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been selected as one of 20 Commercial Research Delivery Centres in the UK from 1 April 2025.
This award is a testament to the previous five years of hard work and dedication from the staff at the Patient Recruitment Centre Bradford, delivering a large number of clinical trials at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
It enables people of Bradford, Mid Yorkshire, Calderdale & Huddersfield to access cutting-edge technology before their peers across the world.
These seven years of funding means that we will be able to carry out clinical trials in several new disease areas not available in the past, enabling better care for our patients and population.
Mr Neeraj Bhasin, Executive Medical Director Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust said:
I am delighted we have been successful in the process to form a Commercial Research Delivery Centre through collaborating with two of our neighbouring NHS trusts. This means we can conduct clinical trials on a wider scale to offer the patients we care for a potentially broader range of treatments, where appropriate. This also means we can contribute to the development of future, novel treatments with a much larger geographical impact. This is a very positive development for CHFT, the wider NHS, but most importantly, our current and future patients.
Dr John Ashcroft, Director of Research at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and Deputy Director of the Bradford CRDC, said:
Clinical trials improve health outcomes for our communities. They provide access to new treatments and therapies that can be life-changing or even lifesaving. As a research active trust, research is already at the heart of what we do, and this collaboration will enable us to take this to the next level. We are thrilled our bid was successful, and the team is excited to work in partnership to deliver a high-quality and excellently performing Commercial Research Delivery Centre for the people of West Yorkshire.
Malcolm Smith, Research Participant said:
The research team have always looked after me and if this award means more people will get the chance to take part, then I think it’s great for everyone in Bradford.
The funding is part of a wider £400 million joint public-private investment scheme – the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme. It is a unique partnership between the government and the pharmaceutical industry to boost the global competitiveness of the UK life science sector and stimulate economic growth.
The health of the nation and health of the economy are inextricably linked; the new CRDCs will bolster the UK as a powerhouse for life sciences and med tech, driving economic growth.
The investment boost follows the Plan for Change unveiled by the Prime Minister last week, which sets out ambitious but achievable milestones for the Missions that will drive real improvements in the lives of working people.