Ground breaking research at new clinical facility

25 January 2002

Former England international footballer Gary Lineker opened new research facilities at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Tuesday, January 29th.

The Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility is a joint venture between the Wellcome Trust, the University of Birmingham and University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust.

One of only five centres in the UK, it brings research straight from the laboratory to the bedside.

Facilities within the £3.2 million state-of-the-art centre include two isolation suites for patients undergoing gene therapy treatment, daycase and inpatient beds, two laboratories and a number of diagnostic and treatment areas.

Studies currently being undertaken include:

• Gene Therapy for head and neck, prostate and liver cancer

• Vaccination trials for bowel cancer

• Interferon Therapy in liver transplant patients

• Trials into Vasculitis, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease

The Wellcome Trust has provided the funds to build and equip the new unit with the running costs being met by University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust and the University of Birmingham.

Dr Mike Dexter, director of the Wellcome Trust said: "Clinical research is an increasingly important part of our overall strategy to turn scientific discovery into real health benefits. We believe our investment in these facilities will provide a catalyst to develop a strong national network of units dedicated to patient-orientated research.

"Our colleagues in Birmingham are undertaking many exciting studies which will help transform the lives of many people suffering from a range of crippling diseases. These are excellent examples of science and medicine working hand in hand.

"Building this area of our health service is important for keeping the UK at the leading edge of world research as other countries are forging ahead with clinical research. This new partnership between the Wellcome Trust, the NHS and university researchers can make the revival of such work in the UK a reality."

Professor William Doe, Dean of Medicine, University Birmingham said: "This outstanding facility will strengthen the Medical School's research mission to translate our scientific discoveries into new and better treatment for patients. It fosters a broader commitment to clinical research in the University and the NHS that will engage junior researchers early in their careers and ensure the future of this vital activity."

Mark Britnell, chief executive of University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust said: "This facility takes research from the test tube to the bedside. It will be of enormous benefit and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Birmingham and the Wellcome Trust."

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For further information please contact Claire Austin on 0121 627 2856/07770 971803 or Sue Primmer on 0121 414 6680/07799 656649

Notes to editors:

1. The Wellcome Trust is an independent research-funding charity established under the will of Sir Henry Wellcome in 1936. It is funded from a private endowment which is managed with long-term stability and growth in mind. The Trust's mission is to promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health
It has invested a total of £20m in the Clinical Research Facility scheme.

2. During his playing career Gary Lineker was one of the best known and widely-admired soccer player. Off the pitch he is well known for his charity work, particularly his links to charities connected with Leukaemia. In 1991, his son, George, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia from which he has now completely recovered.