COVID-19 research studies at CUH

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Cambridge University Hospitals has put in place measures to help researchers and research infrastructure deliver COVID-19 studies, whilst also supporting the care of patients with COVID-19 by redeployment of resources where necessary.

Chief and Principal Investigators of studies have been reviewing whether part or all of their studies need to be put on hold. Many existing studies are now suspended, and the NIHR Clinical Research Network is pausing any studies that are not nationally prioritised COVID-19 studies.

The NIHR has emphasised the need to prioritise COVID-related work, and are putting in place mechanisms for fast-tracking nationally prioritised studies through HRA and MHRA. A COVID-19 and Clinical Research Oversight Group has been established under the governance of the NIHR Cambridge BRC and will review nationally prioritised studies to consider which can be supported locally with the available resources.

The group will also consider proposals for studies to be sponsored by Cambridge University Hospitals and / or the University of Cambridge, but these are likely to need to have national reach or build on unique local capability to meet the threshold for fast -tracking through HRA / MHRA approval processes.

Professor Ian Wilkinson, Director of the Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit (CCTU), is also establishing a committee to review proposals for clinical trials related to COVID-19.

If you have questions, research proposals or clinical trials that you wish to be considered please contact Covid19research@addenbrookes.nhs.uk in the first instance.

• The HRA and MHRA have also provided guidance relating to coronavirus that is updated regularly.