Panthera, the UK’s largest independent clinical trial Site Management Organisation (SMO), has officially opened its expanded Glasgow Clinical Research Centre at the Health Innovation Hub (HiH), increasing capacity for commercial clinical research in Scotland.
HiH, which opened in March, is Glasgow’s newest life sciences laboratory facility, developed and operated by Kadans Science Partner.
The opening, held on 22 October, brought together representatives from healthcare, clinical research, academia, government and industry.
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP (pictured), Member of Parliament for Glasgow South West, attended as Guest of Honour and cut the ribbon.
The centre has eight dedicated clinical rooms, laboratory facilities and modern office space, supporting trials on behalf of pharmaceutical sponsors and contract research organisations (CROs).
Panthera relocated its Glasgow operations from the Clinical Innovation Zone at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital earlier this year.
The larger facility will give more eligible patients across Glasgow and the west of Scotland the chance to take part in research, including studies of investigational treatments not yet routinely available.
Dr Ahmed said: “Clinical research has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives, and it is particularly encouraging to see opportunities for patients in our local communities to participate in trials that could help shape the future of medicine."
"I welcome Panthera’s continued investment in Glasgow and the contribution this facility will make to our city’s growing life sciences sector.”
Panthera specialises in Phase II and III trials across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including vaccines, cardiovascular medicine, diabetes, neurology, respiratory medicine, dermatology, rheumatology and early dementia.
Stuart Young, CEO of Panthera, said: “Glasgow has an outstanding reputation for medical research and innovation. This investment increases our capacity to deliver commercial clinical trials and reflects our confidence in the city’s research expertise.
“Our priority is to help pharmaceutical sponsors and CROs recruit more eligible patients quickly, meeting and exceeding enrolment targets."
"Our expanded Glasgow centre combines increased capacity with an experienced research team to accelerate recruitment, broaden patient access and deliver high-quality studies.”
Part of Glasgow’s life sciences infrastructure
The centre sits within the Health Innovation Hub, developed and operated by Kadans Science Partner in collaboration with the Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine, a University of Glasgow-led programme.
Katie Nelson, Head of Leasing (UK) for Kadans Science Partner, said: “Panthera’s expanded Glasgow centre is a great example of how specialist facilities can support the growth of Scotland’s life sciences sector while delivering real benefits for local communities."
"Panthera’s further investment is a positive step for Glasgow, strengthening the city’s clinical research capabilities.”
The Glasgow expansion forms part of Panthera’s continued investment in its UK network of clinical research centres, alongside its expansion into Europe.
