The c4c project, co-coordinated by Penta together with Janssen, Bayer and the University of Liverpool, has had its first review, titled “European research networks to facilitate drug research in children”, published by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. We are proud to have the Penta_ID Network involved in such an impactful project as a speciality network.
This review discusses the need for a structured approach to drug development by establishing and utilizing research networks and infrastructure.
The publication explores how research networks and infrastructure can address the unmet medical needs for new, innovative medicines for children, while removing the barriers faced in paediatric drug development.
A structured approach overcomes:
- Fragmentation of stakeholders
- Provides a consistent framework for all stages of drug development
- Speeds up research by using the same systems and processes for each trial
- Enhances quality
- Can ensure that the voices of patients and caregivers are heard
This review, authored by members of the c4c Project Leadership Team and consortium, summarises recent efforts to overcome barriers faced in paediatric drug development by two exemplar initiatives: The European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI) and conect4children (c4c).
“The c4c project will make a culture change that fosters international and global approaches with cooperation and collaboration across paediatric clinical trials development and conduct.
It will deliver high quality and rigorous datasets to promote quality in study designs and interoperability.
Strong communication channels across initiatives allow for the avoidance of working in silos and the duplication of efforts.”
Dr. Birka Lehmann, Senior Expert Drug Regulatory Affairs, University of Bonn Lecturer & c4c External Advisory Board Member
The full review is available to view here