Wellcome-HRB Clinical Research Facility marks a decade of improving patient outcomes

Pictured L-R: John O’Neill (Research Policy & Innovation Unit, Department of Health) Prof. Mary Day (CEO St James’s Hospital), Andrew Kenny (patient), Prof. Martina Hennessy (Clinical Director CRF), Molli Burke 5 (patient), Molli’s mother Amanda Burke and Mr Enda Kenny (former Taoiseach)

On 3 October, the Wellcome-HRB Clinical Research Facility (CRF) celebrated a momentous occasion, marking ten years since its establishment. Founded in 2013 through a collaboration between Wellcome, the Health Research Board, Trinity College Dublin and St James’s Hospital, the state-of-the-art facility offers patients access to high quality clinical research and trials across a wide range of clinical conditions.

Over the past decade the Clinical Research Facility has been a hub of innovation completing over 350 studies and 100 regulated clinical trials, including pioneering work in gene therapy and CAR T-cell therapy, both firsts in Ireland. During this time, there have been more than 27,000 clinical research patient visits to the CRF. The majority of these participants are adults, with a growing number of paediatric engagements facilitated through collaborative efforts with paediatric clinical trial investigators and clinicians.

To celebrate ten-years of transforming patient care, a vibrant scientific symposium was hosted on the St James’s Hospital campus. Centred around the theme “The Future of Clinical Trials in Ireland” the event featured insightful presentations from keynote speakers, including representatives from the Department of Health, the HSE, Trinity College Dublin, and patients who have benefited from these research studies. Arguably, the most impactful session of the day was the patient panel, where the audience heard first-hand how clinical research transforms lives for the better. 

Among the attendees was five-year-old Molli Burke, who received treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 1 at the CRF. As a toddler, Molli benefited from the gene modifying therapy, which aims to halt the progression of SMA. The CRF is the only facility in Ireland that facilitates access to this type of gene therapy.

Clinical Director of Wellcome HRB-Clinical Research Facility, St James’s Hospital, Prof. Martina Hennessy, addressed the audience, “Patients attending the CRF have early access to novel and life-changing therapeutics, for conditions which are often very costly to treat. It brings me great joy to see some of these patients and their families attend the tenth anniversary celebrations today and to see them living better quality lives because of the tireless efforts of the highly specialised team here at the CRF.”

St James’s Hospital CEO, Prof. Mary Day added “In partnership with Trinity College, St James’s Hospital is focused on creating an Academic Health Science Centre on this campus which already houses significant centres, like the CRF, IBTS, St Luke’s, Trinity and the Translational Medicine Institute. This framework will integrate service, education, research, and innovation, ensuring that patients have timely access to high-quality care that meets all their healthcare needs.” 

To commemorate the ten year milestone, Molli joined former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, to plant a tree on the St James’s Hospital campus, remembering patients past and present and symbolising the significant milestones achieved by the CRF over the last decade.

Further information relating to the Wellcome-HRB Clinical Research Facility can be found at their  website or by calling 01 410 3900.