1. NIHR Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN)
Prof Ian C K Wong
Chair, MCRN Pharmacy & Pharmacology CSG
Associate Director, London LRN
NPPG conference 2010
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)”.

2. Contents
Background of the Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN).
MCRN Local Research Networks (LRNs).
MCRN Pharmacy and Pharmacology Clinical Study Group (CSG)
Functions
What can the CSG for you
What can you do for the CSG

3. Medicines for Children
Historically, there have been limited numbers of paediatric clinical trials conducted.
High proportion of off-label/unlicensed medicine use.
Potentially leads to over/under dosing.
Increased chance of adverse events.
Requirement for:
More clinical trials in children
Better age-appropriate formulations
More authorised medicines and treatments

4. EU Regulation “Better medicines for children”
26 January 2007
Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) for all new MA’s and variations
Agreement with Paediatric Committee
Waivers and deferrals
6 month patent extension
Information included in SmPC
PUMA (data protection)
for off-patent developments
Research on older drugs (7th Framework funding)
European Paediatric Research Network (EnprEMA)
More research on
paediatric medicines

5. MCRN - Vision
To improve children’s health and alleviate suffering through the provision of better and safer medicines.

6. MCRN - Aims
To provide the best infrastructure in the world to support studies which address the safety and efficacy of medicines for children.
To provide an excellent base for clinical research for children, which is an attractive resource for the global pharmaceutical industry.
To ensure that world-leading research addresses the needs of children.

7. MCRN – Adding Value to Study Delivery
Large network supporting randomized and other studies of medicines for children in UK NHS sites serving approx 12 million children
Supporting:
All phases (I-IV)
All therapy areas (except oncology)
Studies supported (adopted) by MCRN
Publicly-sponsored
Industry-sponsored
Investigator-initiated (industry funded) Research (IIR)

8. NIHR Clinical Research Networks
MCRN is funded by the UK Department of Health

9. Local Research Networks (LRNs)
Local Research Networks (LRNs) ensure that clinical trials involving children are performed efficiently to the highest standards across NHS sites.
In total, there are 6 LRNs that cover over 100 NHS sites.
LRNs assist those wanting to conduct studies by improving set-up time and reducing administrative burdens.
The Networks helps with detailed feasibility assessments.

10. Local Research Networks (LRNs)
LRN staff support the conduct of paediatric research in the NHS and work to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards
Directors
Manager
Research Nurses
Pharmacists
Data entry staff
Administration

11. Clinical Study Groups (CSG)
MCRN CSGs are panels of stakeholders relevant to medicines for children who have the general remit to:
Provide expert advice to investigators, the pharmaceutical industry and to the MCRN Study Adoption Committee (SAC).
- Identify gaps within current research and develop studies to successfully address these gaps.

12. Clinical Studies Groups (CSGs)
Allergy, Infection and Immunity Dr Mike Sharland Anaesthesia, Pain, Intensive Care and Cardiology Dr Robert Tasker Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine Prof David Dunger Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Dr Nick Croft General Paediatrics (including Dermatology) Dr Colin Powell Inherited Metabolic Disorders (MCRN/UK LSD) Dr Chris Hendriksz Methodology Prof Peter Brocklehurst Neonatal (MCRN/Action Medical Research) Dr Mark Turner Nephrology (MCRN/BAPN) Dr Moin Saleem Neurosciences Dr Timothy Martland Pharmacy and Pharmacology Prof Ian Wong Respiratory and Cystic Fibrosis Dr Paul Seddon Rheumatology (MCRN/Arthritis Research UK) Dr Michael Beresford

13. Pharmacy and Pharmacology CSG
The focus of the Pharmacy and Pharmacology CSG has been to establish formulation, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics research priorities in relevant paediatric fields and to promote the translation of quality pharmaceutical and pharmacological research into well designed clinical studies in children. 

14. Chairs
The Group is Chaired by Professor Ian Wong.
Dr Catherine Tuleu is the Chair of the formulation subgroup.
Professor James McElnay Chairs the pharmacokinetic subgroup.

15. Formulation subgroup Dr Catherine Tuleu (Chair).
Ms Jacqueline Childs (Consumer Representative).
Ms Kate Gandhi (Paediatric Pharmacist).
Professor Richard Guy (Academic Formulation Scientist).
Dr Olufemi Rabiu (Hospital Formulation Scientist).
MCRN members:
Dr Mine Orlu Gul (MCRN Formulations Research Fellow).
Dr Utpal Shah (MCRN Formulations Research Fellow).
Professor Tony Nunn (MCRN Associate Director).

16. Pharmacokinetics Professor James McElnay (Chair).
Ms Jacqueline Childs (Consumer Representative).
Professor Atholl Johnston (Academic Pharmacokineticist).
Professor Tony Nunn (MCRN Associate Director).
One Specialist Member (to be appointed).

17. Role of MCRN CSGs Reactive Role Proactive Role
To provide advice to investigators for the development of research proposals and funding applications.
To identify gaps in current research within specialty areas and determine research priorities.
To provide advice to commercial companies through the MCRN Industry Liaison Team.
To develop clinical trials or other well designed studies to address research gaps.
To advise the MCRN Study Adoption Committee regarding the quality of studies submitted to run through the network.
To participate in strategic decisions of the MCRN through representation on the MCRN Board.

18. Reactive Role “Provision of advice to investigators and Commercial Companies” **October 2008**

19. IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCH PRIORITIES
Proactive Role (1) “Identifying gaps in research and working to address them”
IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCH PRIORITIES
Development of research priorities in formulation and pharmacokinetics – April 2007.
ERANET Project (A EU project to identify paediatric research priorities) – January 2008.

20. DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS
Proactive Role (2)
DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS
Global Research In Paedaitrics (GRIP) €10million funding application to the European Commission FP7 Research Programme.
The formulation workpackage comprises Prof Tony Nunn, Dr Catherine Tuleu and Prof Ian Wong from the Pharmacy & Pharmacology CSG.
€500,000 was successfully obtained for the formulation workpackage.

21. OTHER KEY ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS
Proactive Role (3)
OTHER KEY ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS
Pharmacy and Pharmacology CSG – Pharmaceutical Translational Research Conference (April 2nd to April 3rd 2009). Presentations are available from:
Methodology + the Pharmacy and Pharmacology CSG joint conference in Non-Adherence in children (May 11th 2010).

22. Balanced Portfolio
Adopted studies (n=198; as of July 2010)

23. What can we do for you? If you have a research idea. Contact us
We can help you to develop your research idea.
Link you up with the appropriate experts or other CSGs.
Assist you in developing a proposal.
Advise you on how to apply for funding.
Peer-review your proposal prior to your funding application

24. What you can do for us?
We need new members. Please join us.
You can give us paediatric pharmacy practice research ideas.
Let your colleagues know about our work.
We are open to suggestions.

25. Professional Group Liaison
All other CSGs are linked up with the RCPCH and/or their professional/consumer group.
The Pharmacy and Pharmacology CSG is not currently linked with any professional group.
Should the Pharmacy and Pharmacology CSG link up with the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group?

26. Questions and Discussion?

27. To discuss support that the MCRN can provide please contact: Prof Ian Wong Chair of the Pharmacy and Pharmacology CSG Laura Pilkington Clinical Studies Groups Administrator