The number of commercial studies adopted into the National Institute for Health Research’s Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) Portfolio in England during the third quarter of 2010-2011 reached 115, the highest level since the network started compiling quarterly reports in 2008, according to PharmaTimes.

The commercial study tally for October to December 2010 (the NIHR’s financial year runs from April 1 to March 31) was 125% more than in the same period in 2009-2010, reflecting progress made by the network in engaging with the clinical research community, the NIHR CRN said.

According to the network, two core factors were behind the upturn: more chief investigators insisting studies should go through the NIHR CRN and more awareness in the life sciences industry of available network services, such as a range of investigators and research sites throughout England, standard templates to speed costing and contract negotiations and study feasibility advice from key opinion leaders. 

Lucy Pollock, marketing manager for clinical studies at Medtronic, also cited the benefits of network studies for the overall research infrastructure. “The Clinical Research Network ensures your study receives appropriate resources, but it also promotes a positive cycle of research,” she said.  “This means the funding we feed into the NHS is channeled back into research and helps strengthen research capacity.”