Rosalind Franklin University Expands Clinical Research Capabilities with New Lease Agreement

Introduction

In a major development for clinical research in Illinois, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) has recently entered into a strategic 10-year lease agreement with the Chicago Clinical Research Institute, Inc. (CCRII). This partnership will establish a Phase I/II clinical trial site at RFU's Innovation and Research Park located in North Chicago, signifying a significant stride towards enhancing the region's clinical research infrastructure.

The Need for Expansion

Illinois has been grappling with a scarcity of Phase I clinical trial facilities, compelling many bioscience companies to seek early-stage research options outside state lines. Phase I clinical trials, which represent the first stage of human testing for new drugs or therapies, are pivotal in assessing safety and determining tolerable doses. As these trials focus on how the body reacts to a new drug, they play a critical role in the drug development process, acting as a gatekeeper for the advancement of new treatments.

Despite the pressing need, the existing facilities have not met the demand, prompting RFU and CCRII to collaborate on this venture. Phase I trials are primarily conducted on healthy volunteers and focus on various aspects, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, making them essential not only for safety but for the entire continuum of drug development.

CCRII's Expertise and Contribution

CCRII, founded in 2005, is a recognized multi-specialty clinical research organization that has successfully conducted over 250 clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. This includes critical disease categories like type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and various forms of cancer. The organization has now decided to expand its footprint by developing a new clinical trial site within RFU's Innovation and Research Park. This site will add approximately 3,000 square feet of research space, significantly augmenting their existing downtown Chicago facility.

Demographic Impact

Situated within Lake County, which boasts a diverse population of around 718,000, the new research site will provide crucial access to a broader pool of volunteers for clinical trials. The area's vibrant bioscience community consists of over 122 bioscience companies, including many leading pharmaceutical firms. This infrastructure ensures that CCRII can attract talent and streamline the clinical research process in a competitive landscape.

Benefits for Illinois' Bioscience Sector

Nusrat Deen, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of CCRII, emphasizes the strategic importance of this expansion. He notes that Illinois bioscience companies currently conduct over 50 Phase I trials annually, indicating a robust and growing demand for effective clinical trial sites. Establishing a presence in the heart of this bioscience community not only positions CCRII advantageously but also fortifies the state’s overall drug development capabilities.

Importantly, RFU's educational environment, housing multiple professional colleges such as the Chicago Medical School, College of Pharmacy, and College of Nursing, presents a wealth of potential talent for CCRII to tap into. Additionally, the motivational aspect of having a graduate from the Chicago Medical School as their medical director enhances the collaboration further.

Synergistic Opportunities

Janice Urban, PhD, interim executive vice president for research at RFU, highlights the strategic fit of incorporating CCRII within their campus. The relationship promises fruitful collaborations, particularly with the Lovell Federal Health Care Center situated nearby. RFU sees this partnership as a symbiotic union benefiting from the collective strengths of the medical, pharmacy, and nursing schools alongside CCRII’s capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lease agreement between Rosalind Franklin University and Chicago Clinical Research Institute marks a pivotal moment for Illinois’s clinical research landscape. Addressing the urgent need for Phase I facilities, this expansion not only solidifies the state's position in pharmaceutical innovation but also enhances the local research community's capabilities. With this new initiative, RFU and CCRII are poised to make substantial contributions to the future of clinical trials, drug development, and ultimately, patient care.